Round 3 of the Varsity Netball 2023 tournament saw several exciting match-ups take place at the Imbizo Hall at the UJ Soweto Campus. The NWU Eagles got their revenge from last year’s final by beating defending champs Maties, UJ picked up their first win with a superb second half performance, UWC win by just a single goal and UP-Tuks clutch in the dying seconds.
Madibaz 35 – 60 UJ
The opening quarter was a low scoring one with the Madibaz taking a narrow 9-8 lead at the conclusion of the first period of play. Nerves settled in the second with the Orange Army of UJ finding their rhythm, moving the ball well around the court. The Madibaz were also not far off the chase, keeping within close range. At the break, it was UJ who turned the tide to enjoy the better of the scoreboard with a 20-15 lead in front of their vibrant supporters in the stands.
In the championship quarter UJ looked lethal on attack punishing the Madibaz on the offence. The quarter was the highest scoring one that saw a staggering 39 combined points piled on the scoreboard. The third quarter also saw UJ enjoying the better of the power plays, out scoring the Madibaz 10-6. Yanke Broodryk of UJ was also in great form, with Mothira Mohammad of the Madibaz also showing great leadership to command her troops on the court. The fourth quarter provided all the necessary entertainment, with the Orange Army running rampant to eventually clinch a 60-35 win.
Quarter scores: 9-8 / 15-20 / 31-43 / 35-60
FNB Player of the match - Yanke Broodryk (UJ)
Madibaz: Kaylin Coetzer, Mothira Mohammad, Andrea van der Merwe, Juanita van Tonder, Sibulele Kentane, Siyamthanda Dingiswayo, Nosipho Dweba, Britney van der Merwe, Kelly du Toit, Mitha Sinxo, Jeannique Rossouw, Bonique Solaan
UJ: Cornelia Mupenda, Boitumelo Mahloko, Yanke Broodryk, Mukhatshelwa Tshisikhaw, Adivhaho Tshivhiahuvhi, Zanell Blignaut, Sanelisiwe Ntobela, Londeka Buthelezi, Muhluri Hlatshwayo, Owethu Ngubane, Zene de Waal, Henlize Basson
UWC 38–37 WITS
Wits began the game with confidence after their maiden win last week with captain Panashe Chiranga leading from the front and the defence was up to the task bringing the score to 11-9 to Wits at the end of the opening quarter. The Witsies stayed composed to go into the break with a slim 19-17 lead despite momentum shifting toward UWC.
The third quarter saw a shift in UWC’s performance as they looked more energetic with the ball in hand, running the Witsies off their feet and the Cape side managed to take the lead. The final quarter was certainly the turning point in the game as UWC maintained their lead throughout the match up, also taking good advantage of the two power plays. Wits did get an opportunity to level matters with 5 seconds left on the clock, but they unknowingly made a pass instead of going for goal, seeing the game ending with UWC claiming a hard fought 38-37 victory.
Quarter scores: 9-11 / 17-19 / 27-24 / 38-37
FNB Player of the Match - Liandre Schoeman (UWC)
UWC: Nashitah Africa, Courtleigh Behr, Roné Carstens, Amber Coraizin, Renisha Daniels, Shevonne Hoffman, Adri Kannemeyer, Leandré Ketch, Shani Pick, Liandré Schoeman, Wiandi Van der Merwe, Kristin van der Ross
Wits: Giada Prinsloo, Amy Horn, Sidney Coetzee, Kgotso Precious Montshiwa, Simoné van Reenen, Panashe Chiranga, Alix Horn, Refilwe Tswai, Kirsten Mileman, Nicola Wilson, Thandiwe Mokiti, Lerato Thobeha
UFS 50 - 54 Tuks
The first quarter saw both teams testing each other out in the opening exchanges, with UP-Tuks looking strong at the start while Kovsies proved to be up for the challenge showing great patience to keep up the scoreboard pressure. The quarter eventually ended and the score was deadlocked at 12-12, a true reflection of how the match was going. The second quarter saw UP-Tuks grow in confidence to lead 27-22 at the break.
The championship quarter saw UP-Tuks continue to dominate proceedings and extend their lead to an 8 goal cushion. The final quarter saw UFS-Kovsies rising to the occasion to close the gap to just one goal in the dying minutes setting up a thrilling finish where the stripe generation clinched a well worked 54-50 win.
Quarter scores: 12-12 / 22-27 / 37-45 / 50-54 UP-Tuks
FNB Player of the match - Marichelle Visagie (UP-Tuks)
UFS: Ane Retief, Bianca Pienaar, Xandri Fourie, Buhle Kubheka, Charne van Vuuren, Demi-Leigh de Jager, Elri Groenewald, Liame de Lange, Reratilwe Letsoalo, Lethabo Sehlapelo, Sheneca Smith, Ruandi van Dyk
Tuks: Alice Kennon, Amber Marshall, Caroline Paul, Kamogelo Maseko, Kylie van Wyk, Luca Keun, Marichelle Visagie, Melissa van Zyl, Milla Coetzee, Nompha Raphalalani, Phophi Nematangari, Zionne Grobler
Maties 40 -50 NWU
The much anticipated match up between the two sides provided all one could look for in a classic game of Netball. The game saw a cagey start to it, with Maties enjoying a slim early lead in the first quarter, before NWU fought back to level matters at 9-9 to close off the first period of play. The second quarter brought about a similar feel to the first quarter, where both teams made it difficult to score goals freely. NWU managed to keep Maties on their toes, knowing very well the danger they possess when they attack.
The third quarter saw the Eagles grow in confidence, as they managed to convert opportunities into goals. Maties looked a little shell shocked at times, failing to react positively to the waves of NWU attacking moves. The final quarter saw NWU oozing class in the way they continued to dominate proceedings and feeding well off the mistakes caused by Maties to get their revenge from last year's final and claim an epic victory.
Quarter scores: 9-9 / 18-18 / 25 -32 / 40-50
FNB Player of The Match: Caitlin du Plessis
Maties: Lisa Ingwersen, Rochelle Maree, Chrisley Marshall, Renezia Andrews, Nerine Koopman, Kerrin de Nobrega, Danielle van Nieuwenhuizen, Entle Futshane, Miriam Ndjadi, Lize Rossouw, Syntiche Kabuya, Zané Bodenstein
NWU: Sunel Smit, Caitlin du Plessis, Jade Egwatu, Jomari Lübbe, Michelle Geduld, Tlotlang Mokomela, Keke Molotsi, Favour Umeh, Chelize Swart, Sanmarie Visser, Vivian Venancio, Martiné Jordaan
Round 4 fixtures HERE.
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