NWU-Pukke pulled away from Maties in the second half to secure a tough 48-37 Varsity Netball victory in Potchefstroom.
It was hard work for the home side, but they managed to show that they will be a force this season with a convincing performance after half-time.
The visitors side took control early on as their defenders shut Pukke down quickly to put the home side on the back foot from the outset.
Maties took their opportunities well and built up an early 8-3 lead, with Pukke battling to stay in touch in front of their home crowd.
The home side rallied well and fought back with Chante Steyn finding the net often to reduce Maties’ lead to 14-12 at the first stretegy break.
Pukke managed to draw level by the start of the second powerplay, but at half-time it was Maties who held a slender 25-24 lead.
The lead changed hands a few times in a tight contest, but the home side managed to get some momentum to take a 36-30 lead into the final break.
The crowd got right behind Pukke in the final quarter and they responded well, but fell just short of claiming the bonus point as Maties made things difficult right until the end.
FNB Player of the match: Bhongo Ngobeni
