Maties outplay Madibaz

The in-form SPAR Madibaz were looking to make it three wins in a row against the University of Stellenbosch in the Varsity Cup Netball at NMMU’s Indoor Sports Centre.

However, the visitors proved too strong for the Madibaz, ending their streak with a humbling 56-30 victory at the south campus last night.

Madibaz got off to a slow start as they were forced to chase the game as early as the first minute.

Maties goal shooter Charmaine Baard opened the scoring for the visitors after latching on to an assist from centre Carla Werth.

By the end of the first 10 minutes, the Madibaz were 10-5 down.

However, the Madibaz refused to back down as the NMMU women brought the fight to the visitors, as the first quarter ended 13-7 with the visitors in front.

The Madibaz came back, guns blazing, with star goal-shooter Nolusindiso Twani bagging four goals in quick succession.

However, Maties fired back almost immediately, scoring six goals through shooter Baard and goal attack Cari Swart to reclaim the lead at 19-11.

The Madibaz looked shaken up by the fast-paced Maties, who had a12-point lead at half time.

Maties picked up where they left off in the first half, as they raced to 30 points in two minutes even though the Madibaz fought valiantly in the first power play of the match, scoring four goals equating to eight points.

Halfway through the third quarter, the Madibaz were down 39-20. Frustration seemed to be getting to the home side as their handling continued to let them down as they conceded a lot of penalties.

The fourth and final quarter resumed with Maties leading by 42-21 and looking to secure the bonus point which they sealed through Baard in the last minute of the power play.