Diamonds struggle past MTL Queens

Defending champions Diamonds have finished the first-round of the OG Issa Southern Region Netball League on second place after defeating MTL Queens 38-30 at the Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC) on Saturday.

However, Diamonds’ road to victory was rougher than expected. Even Diamonds coach Griffin Saenda admitted that the rejuvenated Queens were a tough nut to crack.

“We are just lucky to have won this game; otherwise, MTL Queens played better. They are a completely transformed side,” Saenda said after the gruelling encounter. “I must also admit that my team slackened in coordination. We did not play as a team.”

Queens looked comfortable in the opening exchanges, taking advantage of the morale from their fans to make a succession of quick long balls that helped them win the first quarter 8-6.

For once, Queens shooter Sherrat Kaiche and attacker Emily Jere dodged the harsh defensive approach of Diamonds defender Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira and converted without much trouble.

“My girls played much better than ever today. However, 90 percent of our players are yet to cope with pressure in the elite league. We are still rebuilding the team and hopefully, soon we will be a formidable force,” said MTL Queens team manager Annie Sanga-Kapatuka.

Following the result, Diamonds have completed their first-round as runner-ups with 33 points from 12 games while the Queens are third with 30 points. Tigresses lead the log table with 36 points.