She Cranes battle Wales in final group game

Aug 10, 2015

THE Pool D top of the table clash between Uganda and Wales has both teams facing each other for the first time at the Netball World Cup.

By David Namunyala

 

Netball World Cup

Uganda v Wales (Today, 11:20am)

 

MAKING it to the Netball World Cup quarter finals has always been Coach Rashid Mubiru’s dream.

 

But following the She Cranes’ impressive start to the prestigious tournament that has seen Uganda beat Zambia and Fiji before, Mubiru is being tempted to look beyond the top eight (quarterfinal) stage.

 

The She Cranes battle the world’s eighth ranked side Wales today in their final Group D game but the results from this game will only decide who finishes top of the group. Uganda beat fellow African side Zambia 74-38 in the opening game and later on Saturday won their second netball World Cup game against Fiji 61-40 to book an early slot at the quarter finals starting tomorrow.

 

During a post-match interview after their weekend victory against Fiji, She Cranes skipper Peace Proscovia attributed their great performance to teamwork and vowed that her side is not ready to surrender any of the their remaining encounters.

 

“We never expected it but thank God that we made it,” she said.

 

Proscovia added, “Many people have always wanted to represent their countries but haven’t made it but for us we are lucky that we are here and we are ready to do our best to finish among the top teams.”

 

She Cranes wing attacker Harriet Apako also added, “It’s our first time at the World Cup and we are ready to play at our best and make sure we get to the top.”

 

Other countries that had confirmed slots in the quarter finals by press time yesterday included Australia, Malawi, England, Wales and New Zealand.

 

Uganda Vs Wales

The Pool D top of the table clash between Uganda and Wales will be staged at Allphones Arena. Facing each other for the first time at the Netball World Cup, both teams will head into the match undefeated. Fresh from a rest day, the 14th ranked Uganda will head into the game with confidence after defeating Zambia and seventh ranked Fiji in their first two matches. 

 

Pint size goal attack Racheal Nanyonga (24/29) proved that size was not a factor against Fiji dominating under the post.

 

Uganda will want to continue their consistent performances and put pressure on Wales’ attack. Goal shooter Proscovia Peace is one to watch, with a tournament shooting average of 86.9% (93/107).

 

Coming off an impressive win over Zambia, Wales will want to continue their accurate shooting with Georgia Rowe shooting at 100%, Emma Thomas at 93% and Chelsea Lewis at 90%.

 

Centre Kyra Jones will aim to deliver strongly to the attack again with the mid-courter providing 17 goal assists against Zambia while wing attack Bethan Dyke also contributed 19.

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