Champs net first two wins

National Netball defending champions Tshwane were relieved to sweep aside their opposition on the opening day of competition, despite the absence of influential head coach Jenny van Dyk (above) on Monday.

Van Dyk, who played a key role in their triumph last year, had to undergo surgery on the eve of the tournament.

Her side, nonetheless, stuck to the basics and held their nerve in their first two games at the University of Johannesburg.

Following a 60-29 victory over Buffalo City, they racked up another convincing win over eThekwini, who were handed a 73-34 defeat.

“We had two fairly easy matches today and I was able to play all the players, including those on the bench,” said stand-in coach Sone Mokken.

“I was very pleased with the way they stuck to the game plan.”

Mokken admitted, however, that they faced tougher challenges this week and would need to repeat their performances against stronger teams later in the tournament.

“We have some tough games to come ... but I have told them to play fast, energy netball, and to stay calm.”

Mangaung’s team, the losing finalists last year, also started well by winning both their matches on day one.

They thrashed eThekwini 6335 and went on to hold off Johannesburg for a narrow 51-47 victory.

“I was happy with the way they played,” said Mangaung coach Burta de Kock.

“Most of my players are very young – the majority are under-21 – so they are still getting used to playing at this level.”

Two other A-section teams positioned themselves among the early contenders ahead of yesterday’s second day of competition.

Cape Town beat Ekurhuleni 49-27 before coasting to a 54-26 win over Buffalo City, while Dr Kenneth Kaunda (Dr KK) defeated Nelson Mandela Bay 61-27 and secured a convincing 46-18 triumph over Ekurhuleni.

Coach Elsje Jordaan was satisfied with the start made by her Dr KK side.

“I am happy that I was able to play the whole squad,” Jordaan said.

“In a tournament like this, it is important to manage energy and the players’ bodies. This is the first day and there is a long way to go.”