For obvious reasons, two opponents who faced off in the 2014 Varsity Netball final, Melissa Kotze of Tuks and Monique Flynn (Kovsies) remember the match for different reasons.
It was 20 October 2014, the previous and only other time Kovsies and Tuks met in a Varsity Netball final. Tuks were the hot favourites having not lost once up to then and came off a 68-46 victory of the Maties in the semi-final. They also enjoyed home court advantage. But they lost the services of two Protea shooters, Lenize Potgieter and Lindie Lombard, who were injured in the weeks leading up to the semi-final.
The Kovsies built up a 13-5 lead after the first 15 minutes and never surrendered it, winning by 49-42.
“It feels like yesterday. It was a tough fixture and one of few finals I won’t forget,” remembers Kotze who was still Myburgh at the time. “An encounter between Tuks and Kovsies is always very intense, because both teams bring absolutely everything to the party.” She played goal attack.
“It was my very last match for the Kovsies, so it was great to end with a victory in a final. What I remember about the match is how we stood together as a team. We complimented each other’s performance on the court,” says Flynn. She was still playing under her maiden surname of Lemon at the time.
Flynn is very confident that Kovsies will pull it through on Monday.
“I have watched most of their matches and I believe they are ready to put up a big fight.”
Kotze believes Mondat’s final will be one not to miss.
“I think it will be a great final. Ek know Tuks will take the title. It won’t be easy, but it’s very possible. Once they had their star players back after the first two matches the engine started running again.”
* Both Kotze and Flynn turn 27 this year, both are married and both are now working as teachers.
* The teams who contested the 2014 Varsity Netball final:
Kovsies starting line-up: Danelle Willemse, Rieze Straeuli, Ané Bester, Lauren-Lee Christians, Monique Lemon, Karla Pretorius (captain), Tanya Mostert. Replacements: Zi-Mari Smit, Dénielle van der Merwe, Maryke Coetzee, Alicia Puren, Sheri Duimpies.
Tuks starting line-up: Vanes-Mari Proudfoot, Melissa Kotze (captain), Cleopatra Kgoputso, Izette Griesel, Shenel Bouwer, Shadine van der Merwe, Jeanie Steyn. Replacements: Elouise Annandale, Romé Dreyer, Tshina Mdau, Ine-Marí Venter, Gizelle Lemmer.
