She Cranes defeat T&T to keep semifinal hopes
Working In Partnerships. She Cranes Center Jesca Achan (L) and captain Proscovia (R) double team Trinidad and Tobago’s Candice Guerero as she picked a rebound in yesterday’s Group G match at the M&S Arena in Liverpool, UK. SWPIX PHOTO
What you need to know:
- The first quarter did not go She Cranes’ way as Trinidad and Tobago took an early two-point lead before the Uganda respond through Goal Attacker (GA) Stella Oyella.
- Oyella, who picked up the POM gong in the last two games, didn’t do any wrong to her growing reputation with 26 goals from 29 shots.
She Cranes captain Peace Proscovia’s name was on everyone’s lips when she put up an outstanding performance in a closely contested encounter that saw Uganda beat Trinidad and Tobago 57-54 to keep their semifinal hopes alive at the ongoing Vitality Netball World Cup.
The Loughborough Lightning Goal Shooter (GS) was among the starting seven in coach Vincent Kiwanuka’s team in Liverpool yesterday.
The first quarter did not go She Cranes’ way as Trinidad and Tobago took an early two-point lead before the Uganda respond through Goal Attacker (GA) Stella Oyella.
The first quarter ended 17-15 in favour of Trinidad and Tobago. The tight contest continued as the scores kept swinging. Uganda then engaged second gear to win the second and third quarters 15-14 and 16 -10 respectively. It were these leads that helped the She Cranes edge the match 57-54 after a dominant fourth quarter which they also notched 13-11.
Tactical changes
Coach Kiwanuka brought in GS Mary Nuba at the beginning of the second quarter, who registered a 100 per cent conversion rate: seven goals out seven attempts.
Proscovia showed her maturity and experience at the end of the fourth quarter when she returned to slow down the game and forthwith calm the nerves of her teammates to avoid any comeback from the Islanders. Proscovia scored 23 out of her 25 attempts at goal to scoop the Player of the Match (POM) award.
Oyella, who picked up the POM gong in the last two games, didn’t do any wrong to her growing reputation with 26 goals from 29 shots.
“We have worked hard for this victory today and we thank God,” said Proscovia.
“I love my teammates as they have worked their socks off to ensure we do well. South Africa are better than us as we last beat them in 2009. But things can change and I know we have the ability and talent to overcome them on Wednesday.” Uganda will take some deserved rest today.
NETBALL WORLD CUP 2019
YESTERDAY - SECOND STAGE RESULTS
Uganda 57-54 Trinidad & Tobago
Jamaica 48-56 England
Fiji 54-55 Samoa
South Africa 66-38 Scotland
Zimbabwe 36-79 New Zealand
N. Ireland 43-47 Malawi
Australia 91-22 Barbados
Sri Lanka 88-50 Singapore
