North West Flames too hot for Free State Crinums

Sigi Burger and Renske Stoltz were on fire for the North West Flames as they beat the Free State Crinums 55-44 in their Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League encounter tonight (16 April 2016.) This was the third win in a row for North West, who maintain a 100% record this year. The match played at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria, was anything but heartfelt as both team played competitive netball as they gunned for the win.
North West though pulled the early trigger as they lead 12-11 after the first quarter. One could see that North West had not yet hit their straps in the first 15 minutes and gained momentum in the second quarter. Burger and Stoltz carried on from last year’s Varsity Cup exploits for Pukke as their synergy grew stronger by the minute. The Flames duly took a 5 point lead at the start of the second half to lead 29-23 at halftime.
The Flames hit the 40 goal mark in the third quarter to lead 41-31 with one quarter to play.
The Crinums, Maryke Holtzhausen, was still an ever present threat and could easily get her team back in the game with her goal shooting ability. Burger and Stoltz though had other plans as their accurate and precise shooting made it a comfortable win for the North West. Lauren-Lee Christians also had a good game for the Free State side, but was kept in check.
Credit must also be given here to Flames captain, Nadia Uys and Rome Dreyer who had a cracking game.
“We have been working hard on our fitness. We had a great game,” said Burger, all smiles after receiving her player of the match award.
“The Crinums did well and we thank them a great game. I am proud of my players tonight. I believe in my team from the starting line up to the bench and I know they can do the job. The season is still in its early stages and it’s important to still focus on every game ahead,” said Dorette Badenhorst, coach of the North West Flames.