The Jaguars made a solid start to their title defense in the first weekend of action in the 2018 Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League.
The Gauteng outfit made it two wins in two days defeating the Southern Stings 51-43 at the Ellis Park Indoor Arena Sunday morning.
#BFNPL2018 ? HIGHLIGHTS
Round 1 (13 May) #GautengJaguars 51-43 #SouthernStings#BFNPL POTM: Juline van der Merwe (GD Stings)@brutalfruitsa pic.twitter.com/zaTDZa1B4u— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) 13 May 2018
The defending champions, who finally won the league in their fourth attempt last year, was certainly looking for a convincing start in this year’s competition and that’s pretty much what they got.
The Jaguars opened with an 81-12 annihilation of the Northern Cape Diamonds on Saturday and today they followed up with a win over the Southern Stings.
The Gauteng side didn’t make the best of starts — they trailed 25-26 at half-time.
But they fought back in the last two quarters as a change of strategy saw them earn the advantage which they maintained to hold out for the eight point win.
Coach Jenny van Dyk was satisfied with her team’s comeback in the second half.
Jaguars Coach Jenny Van Dyk says: “Yes and a bit of a different game plan our game plan sucked a bit in the first two quarters and we had to make some changes they adapted well.”
The Golden Fireballs also made it two wins in two days with a comprehensive victory over the Eastern Cape Aloes.
#BFNPL2018
Round 1 (13 May)
FULL TIME
The #Gauteng #GoldenFireballs claim their second WIN of the weekend against an #ECAloes side that didn’t want to QUIT! What GREAT netball!#BFNPL POTM: Talja Venter (GA Fireballs)@brutalfruitsa pic.twitter.com/ahnJVG6nT8— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) 13 May 2018
The second Gauteng side in the league, which finished in third place last year, are looking in dangerous form this season.
They started their campaign with a 19-point victory over the Sunbirds and followed it up with another consistent performance.
They used their height and scoring prowess to full effect over the Aloes eventually winning 53-28.
With only 47 attempts at goal, scoring at 60%, the ladies from the Eastern Cape will be concerned.
EC Aloes Coach Desree Neville says: “Yes I think it’s just a lot of the shooters are new to the squad they are playing defenders that are very experienced. They need to get over the hand in the face take a step back a take their shots and have the confidence.”
The action continues at the Ellis Park Indoor Arena next weekend — starting with the defending champions up against the Baobabs on Friday afternoon.
