UWC got their 2019 Varsity Netball Tournament underway taking the first center pass and a close victory against the TUT in Bloemfontein on Monday evening.
Both teams started off slow, struggling to convert centre passes and turnovers, but the players soon found their feet. An early change by TUT saw a change in the centre position with Nkoloki Malebana replacing Thulagano Mashilo.
TUT took an early 3 point lead, but UWC quickly closed the gap and, with the defense hard at work, extended their lead to 12-9 at the end of the first quarter.
UWC were off to a powerful start in the second quarter, taking the first 4 goals. Their 16-9 lead was quickly diminished with TUT capitalising on the first Powerplay, taking the score to 16-13. This lead was further closed as TUT scored four consecutive goals.
With 5 minutes left until half time, TUT’s wing attack was replaced by Lerato Sedumedi. Shortly after, the second Powerplay was called, but this time both teams made use of the Powerplay taking the score to 22-20 for UWC and ending the half at 25-22.
The start of the second quarter saw immediate pressure from TUT, but again UWC got off to a quick start with centre, Amber Coraizin making a handful of interceptions. Despite TUT closing in on their opponents, UWC ended the third quarter 35 goals to 32.
With 15 minutes left to play, TUT got off to a good start taking the first three goals to even the scores at 36 all. UWC quickly snatched back their lead after scoring four consecutive goals with 8 minutes left to play.
Unfortunately, TUT suffered injuries to goal defence and vice-captain, Lentsamang Motau, and wing defence, Nozipho Nkosi in the last minutes of the game and their efforts were just not enough to catch up. The team from the Western Cape clinched the win with 49 goals to 44 – but missing out on a bonus point by a single goal.
Final score
UWC 49
TUT 44
Awards
FNB Player of the Match: Amber Coraizin (UWC)
Wimpy Moment Maker: Jami Vermeulen (UWC)
MTN Interceptor of the Match: Theoner Mthombeni (TUT)
Teams
UWC: 10 Cindy Amsterdam, 12 Courtleigh Behr (vice-captain), 7 Jade Carnow, 1 Amber Coraizin, 15 Aimee Cupido, 5 Akhona Faye, 6 Gillian Fortuin, 4 Vendjihonga Katjaimo (stand-in captain), 9 Heidi Kuzatjike, 13 Gailynn Potts, 11 Nthabiseng Sibeko, 8 Jami Vermeulen
Coach: Janine du Toit
TUT: 16 Yolanda Charles, 15 Ofentse Kgashane, 11 Mpho Mabitsela, 1 Happy Makofane (captain), 10 Nkoloki Malebana, 5 Thulagano Mashilo, 2 Lentsamang Motau (vice-captain), 7 Theoner Mthombeni, 8 Matamela Murivhami, 6 Nozipho Nkosi, 12 Lerato Sedumedi, 4 Cindy Selwana
Coach: Dumisani Chauke
By Mary Gordon
