The NWU put in a five-star performance to record a superb 73-64 bonus point win against Tuks in the opening round of the 2021 Varsity Netball tournament today (Saturday, 21 August)
The NWU took control in the second half of the match with their shooter and player of the match, Elmeré van der Berg and goal attack, Lucy Strydom playing a superb game. The defensive pairing of Nicolene van Heerden and Martiné Jordaan was also tremendous in keeping the dangerous Tuks shooters out of the game.
The NWU was only one goal behind at half-time with the defending champions UP-Tuks 30-29 ahead.
Chantelle Swart was also one of the top players for Tuks keeping the Pretorians on top after two quarters.
NWU goalkeeper, Martiné Jordaan stole the ball and for the first time the NWU took the lead in the second half. Shortly thereafter, NWU took the powerplay which meant that each goal counted two points. This was one of the turning points of the closely contested match. They scored a couple of quick goals in a frenetic period with Elmeré van der Berg and Lucy Strydom putting NWU into a 38-33 lead.
Van der Berg had a superb game sinking goals at will for Elsunet du Plessis’s team against Tuks. Tuks had no answer in defence to stop the ball getting to the red-hot shooter. Didi Keebine and captain Jessica du Plessis was also the main link in the middle between defence and attack with both excelling in transitioning the attack quickly and effortlessly.
The NWU had the advantage at the end of the third quarter with a 49-45 lead, but Tuks still had one powerplay up their sleeves to see if they could close the gap. The NWU though kept the pressure on capatilising on Tuks’ mistakes to keep the lead in the first minutes of the final quarter.
Strydom also hit some incredibly tough shots under pressure in the powerplay to keep the NWU ahead at 60-58 at the end of the final powerplay with about 8 minutes to go.
Adivhaho Tshivhiahuvhi and Caitlinn Rousseau also put in top performances from the bench, showing the depth in this team. Several steals and intercepts even with a big lead in the final minutes underlined the top team effort. The NWU took control in the final minutes to extend their lead and take the well-deserved opening win of the 2021 Varsity Netball tournament.
“I’m very happy with how we performed. Overall, every girl that played made a difference on court today. The team stood with the basics and played as a unit. I think our powerplay worked out well for us. A power play can make or break a game and it’s important to be on top of your game,” stated NWU coach, Elsunet du Plessis.
The NWU next play UWC tomorrow (Sunday, 22 August) at 10:00.
