Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CURTAINS will come down in the Nedbank Premier Netball League this afternoon on the second day of the programme, the final bubble at White City Stadium Courts where all 16 clubs were in action yesterday.
Leticia Chipandu, the president of the Zimbabwe Netball Association was in attendance and was impressed to watch very competitive matches.
“This league is very competitive and we have some of our national team players turning out for these clubs.
“The competition is helping them maintain their competitive edge and assisting us with keeping Gems’ players in shape as we try to better our ranking from 13th in the world.
“It has been a good season and year for our netball as we have had our teams and clubs getting exposure in the region as we target 12 matches for the Gems in order to get a good ranking or maintain what we have at the moment,” said Chipandu.
On the court Harare City maintained their stronghold on the apex position with a 71-18 win over Aspindale taking their points tally to 52. They were however undone in their bid to win the title when they lost their other match 47-35 to Chapungu who are still in the mix for the crown.
Chapungu are tied with second placed Zimbabwe Defence Forces Queens (ZDF) but are a place down because of an inferior goal difference.
ZDF emerged as odds on favourites after beating Chapungu 51-36 in the final match of the day as they played their 25th match of the season and are left with matches while leaders Harare City will play two matches to seal their season today.
An exciting day looks on the cards as teams play for better positions on the log with the top three chasing the title and also an exciting debacle at the rear where Tongogara, Brace, Beitbridge Border Stars, Buffaloes Queens and Mutasa Falcons are fighting for survival.
The secretary-general of the Nedbank Premiership, Alice Makunura was also impressed with the smooth flow of action as organisers and clubs stuck to the schedule.
Results at a glance
Imbizo 45-46 Rhinos, Tongogara 42-42 P Stars, Buffaloes 21-64 Harare District, Chapungu 47-35 Harare City, ZDF 65-14 Makate, Mutare City 44-42 Tongogara, Aspindale 38-56 P Stars, Mutare City 71-18 Aspindale, Buffaloes 25-57 P Stars, Chapungu 36-51 ZDF
Log
P W D L F A Pts
Harare City 28 26 0 2 1829 575 52
ZDF Queens 25 25 0 0 1942 630 50
Chapungu 28 25 0 3 1825 634 50
Black Rhinos 26 20 0 6 1257 902 40
Harare District 28 19 0 9 1322 1117 38
Makate 26 18 0 8 1341 667 36
