The North West University (NWU) made an early statement that they are eager to hold onto their title as Varsity Netball champs when they thumped the University of Johannesburg, UJ in the opening match of the 2017 competition in Bloemfontein. The scoreboard read 59-25 to the NWU who earned a bonus point for scoring 50 or more goals.
What they’ll especially be very happy about is the fact that they only conceded those 25 goals. Last year in the corresponding fixture they leaked 37 goals and in 2015 it was 52.
Goal defender, Monique Reyneke, as well as goal keeper, Simoné Rabie, were way too sharp and quick and gave the UJ shooters nightmares in the shooting circle.
Going into the final quarter UJ would have had some minor hopes of an upset, trailing by 24-34. UJ called the first power play, a two-minute period where goals score double, early on when they trailed by 24-37.
But when goal attack, Tanya Liechterkost, lost control of the ball in the circle, things went horribly wrong from there onwards. They couldn’t score a single goal in either of the power plays whilst the NWU nailed seven shots (counting 14 points). The winning team won the final quarter by 25-1. Their experience and class clearly showed.
They are up against Tuks on Monday (in Bloemfontein) which is a rematch of last year’s final. UJ has the daunting task of facing Kovsies in front of their home supporters.
FNB Player of the Match: Romé Dreyer (NWU).
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
