She Cranes finish sixth at 2018 Commonwealth Games

GOLD COAST 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

FIFTH PLACE MATCH: South Africa 53  Uganda 42

The She Cranes of Uganda bowed out of the 2018 Commonwealth Games with an inspiring sixth place finish after going down against South Africa early Thursday.

Ranked top in Africa, the SPAR Proteas brushed aside the Ugandans 53-42 in a duel that would determine who takes fifth and sixth place at the ongoing tournament.

The two African nations had finished third in their respective preliminary round groups: Uganda in Pool B and South Africa in Pool A.

Inside the Convention and Exhibition Centre, the South Africans drew first blood, taking the first quarter 13-9.

But the She Cranes charged back, winning the second quarter 13-11.

The third quarter indicated this was a topsy-turvy affair, as South Africa took the third quarter 15-13.

The trend was, however, interrupted. The SPAR Proteas kept their foot on the pedal and took the fourth quarter 14-7 to secure overall victory - and a fifth place.

Goal attack Stella Oyella scored 22 of her 25 chances while team captain and goal scorer Peace Proscovia buried all her 19 chances for Uganda.

Goal attack Rachael Nanyonga, who impressed against Scotland on Wednesday, scored one goal out of the four chances she had.

On the other end, the South Africans had Ine-Mari Venter to thank for their performance under the net. She scored 42 goals while teammate Maryka Holtzhausen scored 11.

Three wins out of six for Uganda. Not shabby at all. And very much respectable for a nation rising on the global netball stage.

While the curtains drew on the She Cranes at Australia's Gold Coast, where the competition is taking place, Uganda's netball camp will relish a dream start at the Commonwealth Games.

This was Uganda's first ever participation at the Games (netball).

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Uganda had their sights on more local interest on Thursday. Winnie Nanyondo and Dorcus Ajok qualified for the women's 800m final after successfully making it through their respective heats.

Nanyondo finished second in heat three with a time of 2:00.69 minutes while Ajok finished third (2:00.53) in heat one, but progressed among the next two fastest runners.

Halima Nakaayi, who took part in heat two, did not make the cut. She finished fifth with a time of 2:01.69 minutes.


ALSO RELATED TO THIS STORY

She Cranes beat Scotland 57-37

Uganda beat Wales in Commonwealth netball

She Cranes suffer narrow defeat by England

Netball: First win for Uganda at Gold Coast 2018

A spirited opener for Uganda against New Zealand