NWU stun defending champions Tuks

North West University (NWU) beat defending champions University of Pretoria (Tuks) 73-64 on the opening day of 2021 Varsity Netball on Saturday, at the Coetzenburg Indoor Centre, while there were also wins for the Nelson Mandela University (Madibaz), Stellenbosch University (Maties) and University of Johannesburg (UJ).

It was Tuks' first defeat in the Varsity Netball since 2018.

The first match of this year’s Varsity Netball tournament, between UWC and the Madibaz, was a clear indication of the players’ lack of game time since the end of the 2019 season.

There were a lot of 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 halftime. (They led 12-10 after the first quarter and 35-32 after the third).

The match between Maties and University of the Free State (Kovsies) lived up to expectations, with the hosts prevailing 54-46.

Maties led 12-10 after the first quarter, 22-21 at halftime and 42-32 after the third quarter. Santiche Kabuya was the standout player for Maties, with excellent interceptions on defence.

UJ scored a runaway 59-27 victory over Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in the last match of the day.

Coached by Proteas captain Bongi Msomi, they outplayed their opponents throughout the match, leading after each quarter – 13-6 (first), 27-14 (second) and 48-20 (third).

Tuks led 14-13 after the first quarter and kept their one-point advantage at halftime (30-29). But NWU stepped up a gear in the third quarter to lead 49-45 going into the final 15 minutes.

Their victory came with a bonus point for scoring 50-plus points, while Tuks failed to secure an extra bonus point for finishing within seven points of their opponents.

In the battle of the former champs (NWU went back-to-back in 2015 and 2016, before Tuks triumphed in 2017 and 2019), it was the Pretoria side that began on a more secure footing, despite having just one player from the 2019 final, captain Chantelle Swart, on court.

Tuks’ Jamie van Wyk, who has been heralded as the next Karla Pretorius, was stellar on defence and forced several mistakes from NWU, resulting in vital turnovers.

It also didn’t help that the team from Potchefstroom resorted to long-range passes as it was easy pickings for the likes of Van Wyk.

Despite both teams not having played competitive netball for over a year, it was NWU who initially seemed to struggle more with their on-court communication and situational awareness.

This will undoubtedly improve as the tournament progresses, and they find their match fitness.

Whatever coach Elsunette du Plessis told her charges at halftime did the trick as NWU composed themselves and quickly built up a lead.

The defensive unit of Caitlin Rousseau and Martine Jordaan made it difficult for Tuks to secure good attacking ball to drive through to their goal circle.

With 10 minutes to go and NWU leading 56-53, Tuks coach Jenny van Dyk called for her team’s Power Play (each goal scored within the two-minute period counts as two points) in an effort to squeeze out a win.

However, it was NWU who got the best of the Power Play with six points from three goals.

Although NWU relied heavily on their defensive efforts to secure the victory, Elmere van der Berg was named as FNB Player of the Match for her accurate shooting and keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

A delighted Du Plessis said she was happy with the way her team performed and that all 12 NWU players were able to get time on the court.

She attributed her team’s victory over the defending champions to the fact that they did the basics well.

ROUND 1 RESULTS

NMU 54-41 UWC

FNB Player of the Match: Mothira Mohammad (Madibaz)

Maties 54-46 Kovsies

FNB Player of the Match: Santiche Kabuya (Maties)

NWU 73-64 Tuks

FNB Player of the Match: Elmere van der Berg (NWU)

UJ 59-27 TUT

FNB Player of the Match: Monica Gomases (UJ)