Varsity Sports have been the pioneers for new rules in South Africa, starting with the new try system in the Varsity Cup, awarding different points for tries depending on where the play began and changing the try and conversion points to entice more action-packed rugby. But the experimenting has extended to Varsity Netball.
With the introduction of the power play, both sides have the option of introducing into play, two minutes where any points they score, are doubled. Each team has the option to play their power-play once during the entire match, where it benefits both teams equally.
This new feature brings a whole new aspect to the game, with the possibility of coming from 10 points behind simply by netting times during this space of time. Not only that, but it encourages attacking play from both sides, making for a very pleasing four minutes of the game.
NMU coach Lana Krige strongly believes that this is an exciting extra element to the game, but believes that their power play shouldn’t be taken when the attackers are on a roll, she believes it should be taken when the defence is playing strongly. To defend the possibility of your own power play backfiring.
NMU recently fell to their first defeat, 45-24, at the hands of UP-Tuks at home. After a slow start to the game, the Madibaz ladies struggled to come back from the deficit, trailing 22-10 at half time. This game could have been a perfect example of how the power play could have benefitted NMU, with both sides initiating their power plays in the final quarter. Madibaz had the chance to close the gap, which would have made for an exciting finish. Unfortunately, the ladies from Pretoria were playing strongly, taking their chances and held their lead till the end.
Varsity Sports are constantly looking to be innovative and add ‘sportainment’ value to sports and draw in crowds. For these four minutes and beyond, they have achieved exactly that.
Fourth-placed Madibaz ladies will be in action again on Sunday 10 September at 16:00 against UJ, who are yet to register a point, playing at Tuks. The game will be live on TV.
By Shawn Marsh
