ZDF QUEENS IN CONTROL

Tadious Manyepo

Sports Reporter

ZDF QUEENS did not participate in Saturday’s Premier Netball League bubble but they were the biggest beneficiaries after second-placed Black Rhinos failed to equal their points tally at the summit following a stunning defeat in Masvingo.

Having played a game more than Rhinos, leaders ZDF Queens were on a bye as action continued in the pulsating top-flight league with two bubbles – one in Harare and another one in Masvingo.

All eyes were in Masvingo where Black Rhinos needed to win their two games and take their points to 50, the same as ZDF Queens, who have now played a game less than their army colleagues.

Rhinos won their opening game 45-26 against Falcons but they were never going to complete the double over third-placed Harare City, who they beat by four points in the reverse tie in Gweru.

Their showdown was dubbed the match of the weekend.

Harare City led in the first quarter as they showed intention to atone for their loss in the first game but Rhinos eclipsed them by the half-time break.

Then it was all square in the penultimate 15 minutes before the municipality side got the slightest of margins right to win the contest by a single score.

“We wanted it and they wanted it too,” said Harare City captain Blessing Kahari.

“It was a very tough match as we anticipated. The 60 minutes seemed like forever but we knew what we were supposed to do.

“They beat us in the first match and we needed to return the favour in this one.

“But it was never going to be an easy stroll in the park but I am happy for the girls. They managed to do just the right thing and we got the points after getting this 30-29 win.”

Results:

City Angels 96-7 St P&P; Harare City 45-26 Falcons; St P&P 13-118 Harare City; Falcons 34-44 Black Rhinos; Black Rhinos 30-29 Black Rhinos; St P&P 17-69 Falcons; Harare District 42-26 7-Flames; Harare District 48-30 Stormers; 7-Flames 44-34 Stormers; 7-Flames 60-0; Waterfalls City Angels 60-0 ZUPCO (WO)