Maties stage epic comeback to beat Tuks while UJ thump NWU in Varsity Netball round 5

Last week saw NWU beat Tuks in a one point thriller and this week Varsity Netball fans were treated to the match of the season so far as Maties came from behind to hand defending champions UP-Tuks their second successive defeat in the 2024 Varsity Netball tournament. Log leaders UJ put in an impressive performance to beat NWU while the UFS Kovsies had no problem against Madibaz and Wits picked up their first win against TUT.

MATIES 55 – 48 UP TUKS

Maties came from behind to beat hosts UP-Tuks in a heavily contested affair at the Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria. The defending champions were looking to bounce back from their one-goal defeat last week against NWU but were left wanting in the end.

The Maroon Machine scored first after a crucial turnover from the experienced Syntiche Kabuya before the home team came back to grab the lead thanks to crucial blocks by

Phophi Nematangari. Tinita van Dyk shot with accuracy to make sure Tuks took a narrow 14-11 lead at the end of a close opening quarter.

Michelle van der Merwe stepped up in the second 15 minutes, landing more goals to close the gap against Tuks. Kabuya once again provided vital turnovers that frustrated the defending champions who managed to hold on to a slender 25-23 lead at halftime.

The thrilling encounter kicked into high gear in the latter stages with Maties pressing hard in the third quarter. The Maroon Machine dominated the early exchanges, looking to steal the lead. The introduction of Alice Kennon into the Tuks goal circle turned the tide back towards the defending champions with the Pretoria side ending the penultimate 15 minutes with the score at 39-36.

The last quarter saw the introduction of both Power Plays and it was Maties who came out on top, turning a three-point deficit into a seven-point lead. Tuks couldn’t score a single goal in both periods of the Power Play and saw the victory slip out of their hands.

The Maroon Machine were relentless in the last quarter with Miriam Ndjadi producing an unbelievable display on defence. She was deservedly named as the player of the match.

Maties shut the Rembrandt Hall with a sterling performance, beating the defending champions 55-48.

Quarter Scores: 11-14 | 23-25 | 36-39 | 55-48

FNB Player of the match: Miriam Ndjadi (Maties)

Maties: Adriana Carstens, Bianca Odendaal, Chrisley Marshall, Danielle van Nieuwenhuizen, Lize Rossouw, Marné Abrahamse, Michelle van der Merwe, Miriam Ndjadi, Renezia Andrews, Shanidine Bezuidenhout, Syntiche Kabuya, Lisa Ingwersen.

UP Tuks: Alice Kennon, Caroline Paul, Jamie Williamson, Kamogelo Maseko, Kylie van Wyk, Luca Keun, Marichelle Visagie, Melissa van Zyl, Milla Coetzee, Phophi Nematangari, Tinita van Dyk, Kyla Dames.

UJ 64 – 39 NWU

UJ scored their fifth consecutive victory to remain top of the log after running away with matters against NWU in the Mafikeng Great Hall.

The first quarter saw both teams attempting to get control of the match with not much in it. The Eagles initially kept up the pace with the Orange Army but the Johannesburg team edged ahead 13-11.

By halftime, UJ extended their lead to 26-20. The second quarter highlighted their ability to push their opponents to play at a quicker pace, forcing the Eagles into errors and missed opportunities. Despite NWU’s strong effort, they struggled to keep up with UJ’s relentless attack.

The third quarter, not called the championship quarter for nothing, saw UJ getting the upper hand, dominating play and pulling away with a 44-28 lead. NWU’s performance began to waver as their mood seemed to impact their gameplay, leading to several missed opportunities and easy goals for the Orange Army.

UJ maintained their focus and composure in the last 15 minutes to ensure a comfortable 64-39 victory. NWU, despite showing promise early on, simply could not recover from their mistakes, ultimately allowing UJ to remain unbeaten.

Quarter Scores: 13-11 | 26-20 | 44-28 | 64-39

FNB Player of the match: Sanelisiwe Ntobela (UJ)

UJ: Alexandra Meimaris, Aphiwe Thusini, Boitumelo Mehloko, Cornelia Mupenda, Gugulethu Mdladla, Henlize Basson, Jade Niemand, Kamogelo Motsepe, Muhluri Hlatshwayo, Sanelisiwe Ntobela, Tarle Mathe, Luyanda Msomi.

NWU: Casey Davids, Jade Egwatu, Nadine Hefer, Martiné Jordaan, Andrya Joubert, Jomari Lübbe, Kegaugetswe Mashilo, Amori Matthee, Tlotlang Mokomela, Nicola Oosthuizen, Sunel Smit, Sanmarie Visser.

UFS KOVSIES 79 – 26 MADIBAZ

UFS Kovsies hardly put a foot wrong putting on a perfect display of netball in their comprehensive victory over Madibaz at the Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria.

Kovsies put on a commanding display limiting Madibaz’ changes in the circle while the combination of Elri Groenewald and trusted goal shooter Rolene Streutkter proved lethal at the other end of the court. It ended the first quarter 19-8 in favour of the four-time champions.

Kovsies was not going to hold back as they picked up where they left off, adding 16 goals in the second 15 minutes. Streutkter was unstoppable with ten successful shots before being replaced by Demi-Leigh de Jager. In the one-sided affair, Kovsies remained solid at the back with brilliant blocks from Liamé de Lange. With limited scoring opportunities, Madibaz failed to convert their chances and went into the halftime break 35-12 down.

With a chance to close the gap during their Power Play, Madibaz could only score once. Kovsies however made full use, collecting six points with the quarter ending 55-17 in favour of the Free State team.

Kovsies upped their tempo in the closing stages of the match capitalising mostly on their Power Play. Returning to court, Streutker remained lethal in the circle grabbing eight goals, all from a distance.

Retatilwe Ke-Morena Letsoalo was formidable on defence and simply didn’t give Madibaz an inch, forcing their shooters to shoot from afar. In the end, Burta De Kock’s side grabbed an easy 79-26 victory over Madibaz.

Quarter Scores: 19-8 | 35-12 | 55-17 | 79-26

FNB Player of the match: Reratilwe Ke-Morena Letsoalo (UFS Kovsies)

UFS Kovsies: Liamé De Lange, Demi-Leigh de Jager, Megan Erasmus, Xandri Fourie, Elri Groenewald, Reratilwe Ke-Morena Letsoalo, Mienke Delport, Refiloe Nketsa, Nontobeko Mohuli, Rolene Streutker, Charné van Vuuren, Karla Victor.

Madibaz: Angel Mlambo, Anke Britz, Edon Snyman, Erin Hartland, Hanniska van Vuuren, Inganathi Sapepa, Kaylin Coetzer, Kelly du Toit, Mothira Mohammad, Siyamthanda Dingiswayo, Tashlyn van Schoor, Jeannique Rossouw.

WITS 86 – 24 TUT

Wits dominated from start to finish to thoroughly beat TUT in their encounter at the Mafikeng Great Hall.

Wits made an immediate impact scoring their first two goals in quick succession and never gave their opponents a chance to get their foot in the door. TUT fought hard on defence but struggled to capitalise on their efforts, missing several shots in the goal circle. The score at the end of the first quarter was 16-8 in favour of Wits.

By halftime Wits had pulled ahead to a commanding 42-14 lead. Goal shooter Giada Prinsloo maintained a sharp eye, consistently finding the net, while TUT's attack was hampered by poor finishing. Although TUT’s mid-court worked hard to move the ball down the court, the chances in the circle went astray.

Wits capitalised on their opponent’s mistakes intercepting passes and in the process extending their lead to 66-21 by the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter saw Wits continue their dominance, with a relentless offensive push and solid defence, eventually closing the game with an 86-24 win.

Quarter Scores: 16-8 | 42-14 | 66-21 | 86-24 (10 goals deducted from TUT for failing to include a minimum of two players from the designated transformation group)

FNB Player of the match: Giada Prinsloo (Wits)

Wits: Alix Horn, Amy Horn, Elmarie Vusieka, Esther Botha, Giada Prinsloo, Liani Gilmour, Oratile Mokone, Panashe Chiranga, Philasandre Ntuli, Shani Mokken, Thandiwe Mokiti, Zanele Soviya.

TUT: Fulufhelo Remember Nenzhelele, Gomolemo Mashiane, Katleho Motaung, Modjadji Mokgehle, Naledi Makoa, Philile Bokwe, Keamogetswe Ngobeni, Oageng Motileng, , Nosibusiso Khwela, Bianca Nkalanga, Mosima Mamabolo, Desiree Mohlala.