Queens bounce back
Amid electrifying sights and roaring sounds on the opening day of the historic 2023 Netball World Cup, the Queens bounced back in spectacular fashion to beat Scotland’s Thistles 55-49 yesterday at Cape Town International Convention Centre.
In the chilly conditions of the Mother City, the Queens appeared to be losing the plot as they trailed 2-11 at some point in the first quarter, which they lost 9-17 and by half time, they were down 22-29.
The Queens looked out of sorts as they needlessly gave away possession and failed to penetrate the Thistles’ rear-guard.
Basic errors such as foot fault did not help their cause either.
Upfront, coordination proved a challenge and they couldn’t create meaningful chances against their taller opponents such that revered Australia-based gangly shooter Mwawi Kumwenda was kept lock and key as the Queens danced to Scotland’s tune.
Sporting a beautiful new green kit, the Queens in the second quarter tried to breathe a new lease of life into their game, especially after the introduction
of New Zealand-based Joyce Mvula, who replaced Kumwenda and by half-time.
By the end of the third quarter, the Scots led 35-41.
The Queens engaged an extra gear in the last quarter in which the Thistles were forced into rear-guard action as Malawi turned on their trademark short-passes display which had their opponents gasping for air.
At the heart of their revival was diminutive Takondwa Lwazi and, of course, Mvula.
In the end, they came out of the trenches bruised, but triumphant.
Queens stand-in coach Sam Kanyenda boasted that he knew his charges would still win.
“I said our strength lies in endurance and after dominating the first two quarters, fatigue started catching up with the Scots, it was a game-plan well executed,” he said.
The Queens now switch their focus to this evening’s match against Group B favourites and third ranked England’s Roses who beat Barbados 90-29.
Said Kamyenda: “We need to win this one at all cost
