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Proteas stumble against Malawi at Netball WC

───   08:37 Fri, 07 Aug 2015

Proteas stumble against Malawi at Netball WC | News Article

What was billed as a blockbuster of NWC2015 Day 1 action, between the fifth ranked South African Proteas and sixth ranked Malawi Queens did not disappoint. The tightly fought contest saw the Queens run out even-goal winners which now sees the two countries level their head to head matches at two-all.

Strong performances from South Africans Erin Burger and World Cup debutant Lenize Potgieter provided a solid contest, but in the end the Proteas fell short, 58-51, with Mwayi Kumwenda providing a showcase of her talents shooting 40 from 43 attempts.

First quarter break saw a two point lead to Malawi with the Queens displaying a physical game.  Tight defence was a feature of their performance as well as shooters Kumwenda and Sindi Simtowe shooting a combined 87% accuracy.  South Africa got off to a nervous start but managed to bridge the gap from a five goal deficit to trail 14-12 at quarter time.

Potgieter admitted suffering from nerves at the start of the match “I think our team our team didn’t gel at the beginning, we were shaking, we were nervous, I was very nervous it was my first World Cup . . .”

Impressive defence by Caroline Mtukule and Tower Vinkhumbo as well as strong on court presence from the experienced Kumwenda saw Malawi win the second quarter by three, leading 27-22 at half time, stepping up the intensity when it counted.

South Africa was able to capitalise on a few errors from Malawi throughout the quarter which saw the scores level at 34-all with five minutes to play.  South African shooter Lenize Potgieter increased her volume shooting 13 from 14 attempts.

Thandie Galeta who was introduced at WA for Malawi at the start of the third quarter was replaced by starting WA Bridget Kumwenda after Galeta called an injury time with six minutes left to play.  At the end of the third quarter Malawi managed to increase their margin by four to lead 41-37 due to some stunning displays of athleticism.

The last quarter Burger continued playing after an injury time out where Coach Norma Plummer confirmed it was nothing too serious “ . . . we will have to monitor her throughout the week  . . . we will be giving her breaks because she will need it for her foot  . . “

Despite a strong shooting performance in the fourth quarter by Potgieter, Malawi was able to build on their momentum from the third quarter and provide the African country with their biggest winning margin of seven goals over rivals South Africa.  When asked Kumweda revealed the team’s goal for this tournament “. . .we want to finish top four”.

 

- Netball World Cup

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