UWC’s netball team have made an unfortunate start to their Varsity Netball 2021 campaign, losing their first three matches.
Coach Danlee Mathews’ squad headed into the bio-bubble in Stellenbosch aware that their preparations weren't as thorough as they wanted and, looking at the results, this has shown so far.
MADIBAZ MAKE FOURTH QUARTER COUNT
On Saturday, 21 August, the tournament opener against Madibaz was a clear indication of the players’ lack of game time since the end of the 2019 season. There were many unforced errors and silly mistakes, while combinations were being tested out by both teams.
In the end, the Madibaz prevailed 54-46 after leading 22-20 at half-time. (They led 12-10 after the first quarter and 35-32 after the third).
NWU COMFORTABLY MAINTAIN MOMENTUM
Sunday morning saw UWC return to Coetzenberg Centre to face NWU this time. The ladies in purple had beaten defending champions Tuks in Round 1, so were always going to be a tough test for captain Courtleigh Behr (pictured left) and her teammates.
As it happened, NWU followed up their win over defending champions Tuks with a runaway 82-33 victory against UWC.
UDubs were on the back foot from the start, with NWU forcing them into poor ball placement and turning balls in the goal circle. NWU stretched their 25-10 lead after the first quarter into 45-16 at half-time, and hammered home their advantage after the third quarter (60-26).
UJ PUNISH WEARY UDUBS
Come Monday, again in the first match of the day, UJ notched up their second victory of the tournament by beating UWC 68-30.
After ending the first quarter 13-7 in front, UJ stepped things up and only allowed the ladies in blue and gold five goals in the second quarter to lead 31-12 at half-time. UJ’s coach, Proteas captain Bongi Msomi, made a few positional changes and brought on fresh legs in the third quarter that ended on 50-24.
UWC’s task doesn’t get any easier on Tuesday, when they face Maties, the tournament hosts and only team with a 100% record after three matches. Centre pass will take place at 15:00, and the match will again be broadcast live on SuperSport (Variety 4 channel).
Round 2: UWC 33 NWU 82
Round 3: UWC 30 UJ 68
Images and match summaries courtesy ASEM Engage/Varsity Sports.
Coach Danlee Mathews’ squad headed into the bio-bubble in Stellenbosch aware that their preparations weren't as thorough as they wanted and, looking at the results, this has shown so far.
MADIBAZ MAKE FOURTH QUARTER COUNT
On Saturday, 21 August, the tournament opener against Madibaz was a clear indication of the players’ lack of game time since the end of the 2019 season. There were many unforced errors and silly mistakes, while combinations were being tested out by both teams.
In the end, the Madibaz prevailed 54-46 after leading 22-20 at half-time. (They led 12-10 after the first quarter and 35-32 after the third).
NWU COMFORTABLY MAINTAIN MOMENTUM
Sunday morning saw UWC return to Coetzenberg Centre to face NWU this time. The ladies in purple had beaten defending champions Tuks in Round 1, so were always going to be a tough test for captain Courtleigh Behr (pictured left) and her teammates.As it happened, NWU followed up their win over defending champions Tuks with a runaway 82-33 victory against UWC.
UDubs were on the back foot from the start, with NWU forcing them into poor ball placement and turning balls in the goal circle. NWU stretched their 25-10 lead after the first quarter into 45-16 at half-time, and hammered home their advantage after the third quarter (60-26).
UJ PUNISH WEARY UDUBS
Come Monday, again in the first match of the day, UJ notched up their second victory of the tournament by beating UWC 68-30.
After ending the first quarter 13-7 in front, UJ stepped things up and only allowed the ladies in blue and gold five goals in the second quarter to lead 31-12 at half-time. UJ’s coach, Proteas captain Bongi Msomi, made a few positional changes and brought on fresh legs in the third quarter that ended on 50-24.
UWC’s task doesn’t get any easier on Tuesday, when they face Maties, the tournament hosts and only team with a 100% record after three matches. Centre pass will take place at 15:00, and the match will again be broadcast live on SuperSport (Variety 4 channel).
RESULTS TO DATE
Round 1: UWC 41 Madibaz 54Round 2: UWC 33 NWU 82
Round 3: UWC 30 UJ 68
Images and match summaries courtesy ASEM Engage/Varsity Sports.
