Commonwealth Netball

Results

Fifth Place Playoff

 Uganda 53 South Africa 48

The She Cranes have finished fifth at the Commonwealth Games after a spellbinding victory over the Spar Proteas.

There was an air of importance in this match and the fact that the girls gave away the first two centre passes because of errors showed the pressure they had on their shoulders to deliver the win.

Shadiah Nassanga and Mary Cholhok of Team Uganda celebrate their victory in Netball - Classification 5-6 match between South Africa and Uganda. Courtesy photo

Even after going 4-0 down, they worked their way back into the match to take an early 15-13 first-quarter lead. The second quarter was even better for Uganda who managed to increase the lead they had accrued to 30-21.

Inexperience crept in in the third quarter and the Spar Proteas rallied and cut Uganda’s lead to four finishing the quarter 41-37. The fourth quarter required a mettle and that is what the team gave to finish South Africa off with an emphatic 53-44 victory.

Irene Eyaru of Team Uganda celebrates their victory in Netball - Classification 5-6 match between South Africa and Uganda. Courtesy photo

Irene Eyaru was in sparkling form and used her spaces well to supply Mary Nuba. The combination play between the two was significant in breaking down South Africa’s two towering defenders.  South Africa’s goalkeeper Phumza Maweni was in constant foul trouble trying to defend against Nuba who battled Justas hardtop hold onto the ball in the shooting circle.

She Cranes celebrate

While the shooters did their work Uganda’s proficiency in the mid-court was equal to the attacking threat Jessica Achan(C), Stella Oyella(WA), Sandra Nambirige(WD) and Eyaru (GA)  were stand out in bringing South Africa’s mid courters to their knees. Bongi Musomi, a veteran centre player, was deployed in various mid-court positions as Dorette Badenhorst tried to find a solution.

They probably thought they had the solution, but the She Cranes had just enough in the tank to finish the job and record a historic win over South Africa