Cape Winelands close out dominant week to win SA title

They were made to fight for it in a match that was closer than the scoreline indicated, but Cape Winelands maintained their unbeaten run on Saturday, beating Nelson Mandela Bay 66-54 in the final to win the senior A division title at the Spar National Netball Championships in Cape Town.

Nelson Mandela Bay came out firing on every cylinder in an attempt to take control in the early stages.
Winelands maintained their composure, however, and they were soon rewarded for their more clinical approach.

The Cape side held a 17-16 lead after the first quarter, and they were 34-24 ahead at half-time.

Refusing to give up, Nelson Mandela Bay managed to close the gap to within three points in the third quarter (43-40). But while they maintained their intensity, a tight Winelands side gave little away, ultimately slamming down the hammer as they ran away with it in the final quarter.

“I’m very proud of the players for the way they worked together and the smart decisions they made,” said Winelands coach Marchelle Maroun.

“They took chances, and some worked and some didn’t work, but at the end of the day I can’t complain about the result.”

Winelands captain Nichole Taljaard was equally pleased with her team’s performances throughout the week, winning all seven of their matches.

“We are so happy we were able to end the tournament on a high,” Taljaard said.

“We were just very excited to play some good netball. If you play against strong players, then you know you deserve the win.”

Though her team settled for silver, Nelson Mandela Bay captain and goalkeeper Jeanie Steyn was named Player of the Tournament.

Earlier, in the third-place playoff, Johannesburg edged out hosts Cape Town, taking a hard-fought 46-43 victory to secure the bronze medal.

In the U-21 division, Dr Kenneth Kaunda thumped defending champions Tshwane, winning the final 73-44 to lift the age group title.