Mzingaye Sibanda, Sports Reporter
NTUTU Sparrows pulled a superb come back to edge Railstars 27-26 in a Bulawayo Netball League match played at Highlanders Sports Club over the weekend. The Bulawayo derby lived up to its billing with only a single point separating the two giants.
Ntutu Sparrows made positional changes going into the last quarter trailing 17-23.
Nothando Mathe was moved from defence to shooting where she partnered Precious Chirenje while Sinqobile Nhliziyo was pushed back into defence to assist Sichelesile Ndlovu who moved back to goalkeeper, Sindiso Ndlovu and Tatenda Mwana played as centre and wing attacker respectively.
Those tactical changes paid off.
Railstars coach Judith Mweemba blamed the loss of concentration for her team’s loss in the last segment of the game.
“We thought we had won the match in the last quarter and lost concentration,” said Mweemba.
She said it was back to the drawing board as her team sought to bounce back stronger in the next tie.
Ntutu Sparrows coach Precious Mudenge was in a buoyant mood after her team’s win.
“It was a tough match as we trailed for most of the match. I’m happy we won against a strong team, now we have to concentrate on our next assignment as we still have tough matches ahead,” said Mudenge.
In other matches Mighty Queens beat Lobengula Queens 50-29 while Old Nic lost 6-54 to Free Stars.
Results
Ntutu Sparrows 27, Railstars 26; Mighty Queens 50, Lobengula Queens; 29; Free Stars 54, Old Nic 6; Zimpost 21, Lobengula Queens 34



