Free State Crinums outshine EC Aloes

THE Free State Crinums came back from a seven-goal deficit at half time to win their Brutal Fruit Netball Cup match against the Eastern Cape Aloes by a resounding 43 goals to 28 at the University of Pretoria Sports Centre on Saturday.

The Aloes, who have yet to win a match, started off with a bang and took the early lead. By half time, they were seven goals ahead, leading 19-12. Their attack pairing of Dumisani Chauke and Zandile Njeza were working well together, and the Eastern Cape team appeared to be heading for an upset.

However, things changed when Chauke had to leave the court with a knee injury. She was replaced by Eileen van Zyl.

The Crinums started to claw their way back into the match, and in the final minute of the third quarter they drew level on 24-all. Two more unanswered goals and they finished the quarter two goals ahead.

The Free State team showed why, in their provincial form, they are the Spar national champions, as they took control of the match. Protea Maryka Holtzhausen at goal attack and goalshooter Samari Els were imperious in the circle, scoring goal after goal, seemingly at will.

Coach Burta de Kock said afterwards that she had not been worried about the seven-goal deficit at halftime. "They know what they have to do, and I knew that if they could keep their unity and stick to their plans, they would come back. They were a little careless in the circle in the first half, but in the second half they were more focused and more of their shots at goal went in," she said.

Aloes Protea Zanele Mdodana had another outstanding game and was named player of the match in spite of being on the losing side.

Also on Saturday, The North West Flames recorded their first victory of the Brutal Fruit Netball Cup with an emphatic 58-36 victory over the Eastern Cape Aloes at the University of Pretoria Sports Centre.