South Africa
took a while to hit form but emerged big winners in their first game as they
started day two at the New World Netball World Championships at the Trusts
Stadium, Auckland.
Their
67-28 triumph over Malaysia was a solid start for the Africans, who finished
fifth at the previous world championships in Jamaica, while Malaysia are back
in the tournament after missing the 2003 event.
It
took Malaysia
nearly three minutes before they troubled the scorekeeper but their resolve was
on display throughout the match as they chased every pass, even when clearly
underdone in the height department.
Although
South Africa
had elevation and experience on their side, at times they lacked a clear flow
through the court, something which captain and centre Bronwyn Bock-Jonathan believed needs to be improved.
"It
was great to be on court again playing matches," said Bock-Jonathan
"Communication is important for us but wasn’t the best today. We also need to
hold on to every pass. It’s only going to get tougher from here. We play Barbados next
and they are going to be difficult," she said.
South
African goal attack Christine
Markgraaff put in an athletic display, while Malaysian goal shoot Aruna Santhappan was prepared to take
shots from almost anywhere.
Initially
the South African team doubled their opponent’s score and kept it that way
going into half-time ahead 36-16.
The
Malaysians made several substitutions in the third quarter, but in the final 15
minutes South Africa pulled away to complete the win with relative ease.
However, they will need to work on their combinations if they are to secure a
place in the top eight.
Auckland, New Zealand, on Sunday 11 November,
2007:
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