Tigresses survive Thunder scare
Last quarter surge helped leaders Complex Tigresses to survive Thunder Queens scare during a thrilling Rainbow Paints Southern Region Netball League (SRNL) showdown at Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC) on Saturday.
The game seemed to be headed for an unpredictable end until the final five minutes when Tigresses, through exceptional display of skills by goal-attacker Sindi Simtowe and shooter Laureen Ngwira, earned an eight-basket lead to win the match 46-38.
This was the smallest score margin that Thunder Queens, previously known as MTL Queens, have suffered at the hands of their bigger opponents in years thanks to enhanced performance from their key players such as goal-shooter Sherate Kaiche, goal attacker Emily Jere, wing attacker Thandi Galeta and defender Joana Kachilika.
For the first time in the two teams’ history, Thunder had the luxury of leading the first quarter 12-11 before trailing 21-27 and 29-39 in the subsequent segments.
“This was one of our toughest games in the league so far,” admitted Tigresses coach Peace Chawinga-Kalua.
“Thunder Queens came hard on us but what was important to us was the end result.”
According to Thunder general secretary Christina Mkwanda-Nsinji, their improved display stemmed from their wish to at least beat one of the top two outfits Tigresses and Kukoma Diamonds.
