Cape Town extended their early momentum at the SPAR National Netball Championships on Wednesday, securing two more wins to stay unbeaten at Dr EG Jansen High School in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
The Western Cape side defeated eThekwini in their morning match before a top v bottom-of-the-log clash against Nelson Mandela Bay in the afternoon.
The Gqeberha team were not to be underestimated, however, as they pulled out all the stops and won two of the four quarters.
But the Capetonians ultimately pulled through, winning 60-56.
Captain Sian Moore described the narrow victory as a reality check for her side.
“This was a tough one,” she said. “It's that time of the tournament where it's really difficult to get the girls' energy levels up. It's hot, it's cold, it's windy, it's weird, it's match six in three days. It's a lot to ask.
“But we’re happy with the win. Still on the path that we thought we were going to be on, or that we planned to be on, so very excited about that.”
Cape Town coach Freda Kemp believes the groundwork her side put in ahead of the tournament is showing on court.
“We worked our butts off,” she said. “After the TNL, we realised that we need to put more work in. And we went on extensive SNC [strength and conditioning] programmes and worked hard on our coaching sessions. It's so good to see them reap the reward of their hard work.”
As to what else is giving her side the edge, Kemp added: “Obviously we're in the business of winning, and the more you win, the better you play, so we are trying to execute critical moments and keep our error rate low and be consistent.”
TSHWANE EYE SEMIS
Later in the day, Tshwane gave their semifinal hopes a massive boost by beating Mangaung.
The Pretoria side took an early lead and never looked back, despite a late fightback from the Free State outfit.
Speaking after the 46-43 win, after a loss to Dr Kenneth Kaunda earlier in the day, Tshwane coach Rozanne Matthyse said: “I think we were just finding our feet and gelling. It's a new team, it's a young team. We're building now in Tshwane at the moment. So, I’m very proud of the players, and I think today is the first time at the tournament that I saw them play together as a unit.”
As for moving into third position on the log by the end of day three, Matthyse added: “We obviously want to be in the top four but we take it match for match. I think tomorrow's match is a good preparation for what is to come in the semifinals. We're going with the same intensity, focus and drive.”
JOBURG BREAK WIN DROUGHT
Securing two important wins on Wednesday were the Johannesburg side.
The three-time defending champions, who endured a slow start to the tournament, first claimed a 71-38 win over Cape Winelands before beating eThekwini 54-47.
Speaking after the morning match, Johannesburg coach Elsjé Jordaan said: “I definitely think we're building. We had a tough two days at the start… I knew I just needed one or two games where we could get some momentum. And I think that's what happened this morning.
“I love the energy that was out there on the court, and I could see the attacks started to flow more.”
Meanwhile, the Botswana national team, coached by former SPAR Proteas captain Martha Mosoahle-Samm, wrapped up their shortened participation in the championships, which they were using as preparation for the Africa Netball Cup, with a 48-45 victory over Dr Kenneth Kaunda.
Mosoahle-Samm led Mangaung to last year’s SPAR National Netball Championships final, and her heart clearly remains with the Free State side.
“They will forever be my babies, so I'm watching it and I'm supporting Mangaung all the way and I'm hoping that this year they can finally take it,” she said of her former side, now coached by another iconic SPAR Protea, Karla Pretorius, who are currently fourth on the log.
“It’s the top four that counts, so I'm waiting for that top four and definitely the final. I have no doubt in my mind that if they make the final, this is our year as Mangaung.”
In the under-21 A section, defending champions Johannesburg extended their unbeaten run with victories over Ekurhuleni and Dr Kenneth Kaunda.
RESULTS
Senior A section
Mangaung 63 – 30 Nelson Mandela Bay
Tshwane 47 – 51 Dr Kenneth Kaunda
Cape Town 71 – 38 eThekwini
Johannesburg 71 – 38 Cape Winelands
Dr Kenneth Kaunda 45 – 48 Botswana
Nelson Mandela Bay 56 – 60 Cape Town
Mangaung 43 – 46 Tshwane
eThekwini 47 – 54 Johannesburg
Under-21 A section
Tshwane 37 – 35 Cape Town
Ekurhuleni 25 – 67 Johannesburg
Dr Kenneth Kaunda 62 – 24 eThekwini
Cape Town 55 – 28 Ekurhuleni
eThekwini 32 – 58 Tshwane
Johannesburg 48 – 42 Dr Kenneth Kaund