Escom Sisters clinch Rainbow Paints trophy: Pip MTL Queens in final
Escom Sisters proved that they are a force to reckon in Malawi’s netball circles when they made history by becoming the first team to clinch newly introduced Rainbow Paints Top Six Series Tournament on Saturday, December 01, 2012 after beating MTL Queens at Blantyre Youth Centre.
Escom Sisters were supposed to face Bingu Tigresses in their final game but there was drama when Tigresses pulled out at the eleventh hour protesting after Malawi National Council of Sports refused to release their two players, who are with Malawi Queens Under -20 in
readiness of the Zone Six Games to take place in Zambia.
Instead, it pleased the organizers of the tournament to take third place MTL Queens to play with Escom Sisters.
During the match, the power sisters pruned the flamboyant MTL Queens by 27 baskets to 11 in a less entertaining encounter which attracted a huge crowd.
Both sides missed a lot of scoring opportunities in the first quarter as their shooters were too worstful in front of the goal.
In the first quarter, the teams tied 2-2 before Escom Sisters came up with new ideas in the second quarter leading 12-2 baskets.
Escom Sisters displayed some fantastic netball in the third and last quarter especially through their outstanding centre Bridget ‘Engine room’ Kumwenda and Caroline ‘Ayuda’ Ngwira.
Other players, who were on top of their game for Escom Sisters were cool-calm Towera ‘Tobe’ Vinkhumbo, Jessica ‘Agogo’ Mazengera and Saludzai ‘Machine’ Gondwe.
On MTL Queens side, it was the usual problem of lacking composure and determination.
MTL Queens, who featured their new and old guards lost the game on the centre where Rianna Mtenje was outplayed by vast experienced Bridget Kumwenda.
In front, MTL opted for former Malawi Queens shooter Emma Mzagada who tried her best but lucky was not on their side.
The absence of their young and upcoming centre Thandiwe Galeta, who is with Malawi Queens Under-20 side preparing for Zone Six games, was also felt.
Escom Sisters coach Griffin ‘Zagalo’ Saenda was delighted with their victory vowing to scoop the rest of the trophies.
“I am so happy because we have made history for being the first team to clinch the Rainbow Paints Trophy,” said Saenda.
MTL Queens captain Joana Kachilika said they were not expecting to meet Escom Sisters in the finals as they were just told at the eleventh hour.
“We have lost because it was something we did not even expect. But all in all congrants to Escom,” said Kachilika.
For scooping first place, Escom Sisters went away with K200,000 wihile MTL Queens received K100,000.
In the media category, Mphatso Malidadi for The Daily Times and Gomegzani Zakazaka for The Nationnewspaper were voted best reporters in print while Arkangel Tembo from Malawi News Agency was voted the best reporter online with Zodiak Lucy Kadzongwe, Capital F.M Madalitso Phiri and Radio 2 F.M Correspondent Francis Chavi voted best reporters in the electronic media.
