Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
THE Gems’ fine run at the Africa Netball World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa came to an end after they were beaten by the hosts in their final group game at the University of Pretoria.
Zimbabwe lost the match 68-47 to mark an end to a three-match winning streak that saw them book their place in the semi-finals of the tournament.
South Africa finished the group with a clean sweep.
The exciting match was dominated by the tall South African ladies throughout as they took a first quarter lead of 18-9. The domination continued into the second quarter of the match and South Africa went to the half-time break leading 32-20.
The Gems scored 11 points in the third quarter to take their total to 31 and the South Africans scored 21 to make it 53 points. The third quarter finished 53-31 despite the Gems showing some fighting spirit.
Even though they were down by quite a big margin, Zimbabwe tried to get back in the game but the South Africans were too strong and secured a 21-point victory.
Zimbabwe however played brilliantly till the end.
The Gems will face the winner of pool B in the semi-finals.
Online Reporter