The game began competitively as evidenced by the Gauteng North team who went ahead within a minute of the match beginning. TuksNetball came back to equalise. The first quarter was very competitive as it was a matter of who converted their chances and created turnovers. Tuks seemed to implement this strategy as they led 10-6 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter Tuks continued with their resilient performance in what was a physical game. The first half ended with Tuks extending the lead to 19-12.
In the second half the Gauteng North team reshuffled their players and introduced new players into the game which immediately increased their scoring rate. They had to do some catching up which meant that they not only needed to score more goals but also be solid in defence to avoid conceding more goals. They were successful in scoring but their defence was not as solid as the Tuks defence, who were able to penetrate and increase their goal tally. Tuks delivered a brilliant performance and went on to win the friendly 31-24.
TuksNetball’s Nthabiseng Mothusi was delighted by her teammates’ performance. “It was a great game. I took it as a match to increase my fitness as the season is about to start and I look forward to the new season,” Mothusi said.
Coach Jenny van Dyk was also impressed by her players’ performance on the day. “The friendly was crucial to evaluate the fitness of the players as the season commences,” she said. She added that her aim for the 2014 season was to win the Varsity Cup later in the year, as well as the USSA Championships and win every final. “Expect TuksNetball to be the most competitive team in the circuit and win the Varsity Cup,” Van Dyk said.
Tuks’ tri-series opening fixture will be against the University of Johannesburg in April.
