Tuks crowned 2023 Varsity Netball champions
Tuks on Monday evening on their home court in Pretoria survived a big onslaught from their neighbours from the other side of the Jukskei River, UJ, to be crowned Varsity Netball champions.
Undefeated throughout the tournament, Tuks collected their third title when they beat the University of Johannesburg (UJ) 63-61 in a pulsating final in a packed Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria to be crowned the 2023 Varsity Netball champions.
Underdogs UJ drew the first blood against the home side in what was an intense opening five minutes. Tuks had to correct their sloppy defence and be clinical in the goal circle, as it took them over six minutes to go ahead and end the first quarter by getting on 14-11.
The game remained closely contested in the second quarter with the Orange Army continuing their chase. Owethu Ngubane fed Muhluri Hlatshwayo dangerous balls in the goal circle to keep UJ in the contest. On the other side of the court, Alice Kennon made sure Tuks took a four-point lead at the halftime break, 26-22.
In the third quarter, the Orange Army kept their hopes alive in search of their maiden silverware by limiting the Stripe Generation’s play in the middle of the court. Tuks captain Kamogelo Maseka remained the thread in Tuks attacks in the first power-play with deadly counterattacks, with her team collecting six goals to take their lead to 43-33.
With the stakes high, UJ had a mountain to climb in the last quarter. The Johannesburg outfit was relentless in the last power-play as they managed to reduce a 12-point deficit. The match was pushed into extra time after both teams were locked on 51-all when the whistle went after the regular 60 minutes.
It was UJ who stretched ahead first in extra time, building up a four-point cushion. Tuks however managed to pull things back and ended the first extra period just one point adrift, 57-56. The home team then put their foot on the pedal to snatch the victory away from their opponents.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
