It was another clinical display by Kovsies as they beat UJ 69-29 in the final match of Round Two, in Bloemfontein on Monday night.
The home team flew out of the starting blocks, gaining an early lead and outplaying their opponents for a second convincing win in two days.
Kovsies started with a slightly new line-up with Sikholiwe Mdletshe starting at centre, Lefébre Rademan on wing attack, Jabu Mabina on wing defence, and Tanya Mostert at goal keeper. Unfortunately, the home side’s vice-captain, Khanyisa Chawane, was out of action, likely due to an injury picked up in Round One.
The home team got off to a fiery start, leading by 5 goals early in the match. After a collision, UJ’s starting centre, Naledi Peter, was replaced by Amber Petoors. Khomotso Mamburu, Mostert and Mabina looked impressive with each of them making interceptions in the first 15 minutes. With 5 goals in it, the first quarter ended at 12 goals to 7.
UJ started the second quarter with Peter returning at centre, but after only one centre pass Petoors was back. Kovsies seemed to be pleased with their combination and left their team as it was. Mostert and Mamburu put a lot of pressure on the travelling team, minimizing their passing options. On the opposite side of the court Kovsies captain, Alicia Puren, and Meagan Roux continued their impressive performance with high goal statistics for both.
The lead would also not have been possible without their mid court players linking the two ends of the court. Despite UJ putting up a fight and having a better half time score than against NWU, the home team took off and managed to extend their lead to 10 goals which they kept for most of the quarter, ending at a half time score of 28-18.
With the second half starting, Kovsies opted to stay with the same players, only switching Mostert and Mamburu to goal defence and goal keeper, respectively. They got off to a good start, immediately extending their lead by another 3 goals. Mdletshe, still on in the centre position, also joined in on making interceptions. While UJ’s defence in the circle and the goal defence made a few interceptions of their own, overall they were no match for the Kovsies shooters.
Mamburu continued to show why she is wearing the green wrist band (worn by the Player of the Match in the team’s previous match, raising awareness for mental health), making several interceptions in the last three minutes of the quarter. With the last 15 minutes to play, the home side led by 44 goals to 24, a 20-goal lead.
Again, Kovsies started with an unchanged line-up. The first Power Play was called four minutes into the last quarter, which was well utilized by the home team scoring three double pointers taking the score to 55-26.
Considering the second Power Play was not called, it was played in the last two minutes with UJ drawing first blood taking their final score to 29 goals, but Kovsies again making the best of it scoring another three double pointers, taking their final score to 69. It was a slow quarter for UJ, with the travelling side scoring only five goals, and the home team finishing strong after an impressive performance.
FNB Player of the Match: Khomotso Mamburu (Kovsies)
Samsung Shot of the Match: Alicia Puren (Kovsies)
Wimpy Moment Maker: Tanya Mostert (Kovsies)
Kovsies: Alicia Puren (Capt), Tanya Mostert, Khomotso Mamburu, Lefébre Rademan, Sikholiwe Mdletshe, Ané Retief, Khanyisa Chawane (Vice Capt), Meagan Roux, Maryke Coetzee, Gertriana Retief, Jabu Mabina, Jana Scholtz
UJ: Amber Petoors Jodie Brown Intando Gumede Twanette Thoms Kim-Roche Holmes (VC) Beverely Monyake Nompumelelo Mbonambi Halala Nxumalo (C) Erin van Wyk Lizandi Schoeman Naledi Peter Marilee van der Walt
With editing by gsport