The Maties Netball team recorded a historic 54-38 victory over the Kovsies to progress to the Varsity Netball semi-finals.
It was the first time since 2005 that Maties had defeated the Kovsies and they also knocked out the two-time champions in the process. Kovsies had all the pressure on their shoulders after the Madibaz had surprisingly beaten the Pukke in the earlier match at the Coetzenburg Indoor Centre.
That result meant that only a Kovsies victory or two bonus-point-loss would see the ladies from Bloem qualify for the knockouts. Initially the match had been tight with both teams trading scores and Maties narrowly leading 12-11 after the first quarter.
The score remained close and only three goals separated the two teams at the break, the Maties still leading 24-21. The defining passage of play took part in the final quarter when the Maties, who had led 39-30 at the end of the third quarter, exploded into life and scored 15 goals to the eight of Kovsies. The ladies in maroon had smiles on their faces and every shot seemed to go in, which is a hallmark of a champion side.
Next up is a rematch against defending champions Pukke, who will be hurting after the 38-34 reverse to the Madibaz. Pukke beat Maties 41-32 in the season opener, but since then Maties have won five straight matches while also going past fifty goals on each occasion.
The semi-final has all the ingredients of cracker and fans must make sure they are at Coetzenburg when the whistle goes.
FNB Player of the Match: Jo Prins (Maties)
Teams:
Kovsies: Gertriana Retief, Rieze Straeuli, Danelle Lochner, Lefébre Rademan, Khanyisa Chawane, Mariska Pieters, Khomotso Mamburu, Rykie Venter, Frances Hurling, Chantene Borlinghaus, Deidre Fourie, Nonhlanhla Sikhakhane.
Maties: Jo Prins (Captain); Cari Swart; Somari Els; Sasha-Lee Petersen; Nelandré Mostert; Saskia Stander; Stephanie Brandt; Annerine Snyman; Abeline Olivier; Carla Werth; Megan Gossmann; Leanne Nigrini; Alison Malgas
By Dorfling Terblanche
