Panthers claw way to victory in Fourways Action Sports league

The Panthers took to the court against the Innovators to kick off the netball social league at the Fourways Action Sports Arena on 21 October.

Both all-female teams started out strong, with the first half going to the Innovators. Goal shooter and goal attack, Lucy Tebbit and Samantha Klette respectively, capitalised on a few extra goals because of obstruction from the defence of their opponents.

The first half ended with the Innovators in the lead 12–9 after both teams’ shooters were neck and neck in adding points on the scoreboard.

Going into the second half, both teams were equally matched in keeping the scoreboard ticking. The efforts of Panthers’ wing attack Jessica Cooper and centre Aldy Esterhuizen assisted in Nicol Pappas and Jaydene Swart contributing more goals.

The match ended in favour of the Panthers 28–23.

Pappas, who subbed for the Panthers, said her team played incredibly well considering a few regular players were missing. “I think the first half went a little bit slowly but it went really well otherwise. We had a lot of substitutes in the team, so it took us a while to connect. Once we did though, things got much better,” she said.

Pappas, who is also the owner of training academy, Netball Junkie, said her team benefitted from training just before the match.

“The team had training but anyone else could join it. It was really beneficial that we had that training. You felt more confident in your skills when you practise over and over. It really helped, even with shooting.”

Pappas credited the Innovators for a hard but great game and said that even though they lost, they remained great sports.