Results
NewZealand 54- 44 Uganda
New Zealand were given a testing workout before coming home strongly to post a 54-44 win over a spirited Uganda in their second match of the 2023 Netball World Cup tournament in South Africa.
In what was a bigger test for the eighth ranked She Cranes against second ranked NewZealand, there were adjustments needed for the different style and competitiveness of their opponents after a 79-37 opening win against Singapore.
Head Coach Mugerwa Tabale opted to start the pairing of Mary Nuba (GS) and captain Irene Eyaru (GA) as the dynamic duo sparked an exciting and inspiring game from Uganda which left New Zealand battling to stem the flow.
Uganda managed to limit the NewZealand side to just a four point difference at the break of the game with the first quarter ending in a 13-11 score and the second quarter ending in a 25-21 score despite the loss of centre passes from the She Cranes side leaving a huge advantage to their opponents.
Hanisha Muhammad was introduced in the third quarter alongside Shadia Nassanga to support Nuba in attack as they managed to once again limit the NewZealands to a 13-11 score leading to 38-32 score heading into the last quarter of the game.
New Zealand made plenty of changes in the third quarter bringing in Jane Watson into GK, Gina Crampton into WA, Te Paea Selby-Rickit into GS and Ekenasio back into GA.
The introduction of a couple of combinations helped the Silver Ferns register a massive 16-12 score in the fourth quarter which saw them take the overall charge against a resilient Uganda by a 10 points gap in a 54-44 victory.
The She Cranes of Uganda will now fancy their chances of making it out of pool D with a win against Trinidad and Tobago as NewZealand is expected to see off Singapore in their next game.
Here is the She Cranes starting seven
GS: Mary Nuba
GA: Irene Eyaru ©
WA: Norah Lunkuse
C: Margret Baagala
WD: Shaffie Nalwanja
GD: Christine Nakitto
GK: Stellah Nanfuka
