Malawi Queens lose to Jamaica in World Fast5 Netball series
So near yet so far, Malawi Queens died fighting in the FAST5 Netball World Series on Friday morning when they went down 35-37 baskets against Jamaica after another defeat in their first game to Australia.
The Queens, who played a gutsy style, freely letting the ball go, kicked-off the match on a higher note as they led 23-14 on half time.
With the crowd drumming much needed support to the number one African team, the Queens kept Jamaica on the tight rope until they run out of energy at one point in time.
Jamaica, who defeated South Africa in their first game, came a changed side towards the end of the game as they squeezed the Queens up to an extent of leading 31-30.
However, the Queens fought hard but it was too late as they lost with 2 baskets 37-35.
In their opener, Malawi Queens lost 42-37 baskets against Australia in a thrilling encounter that saw Diamonds Sisters goal shooter Jessica Mazengera displaying a stunning performance.
According to YahooXtra Blogs, Australia took the opportunity to exercise their power play in the second spell, landing 20 points in the process to build an eleven point buffer at halftime.
The report states that leading 28-17, the Flyers found themselves working hard on defence with Malawi choosing to use their power play in the third quarter.
“While the heart was willing, the Malawi shooters’ accuracy was the difference between the teams with the Queens ruing the conversion rate of attempts, with only eight points scored in the vital quarter,” reads the report.
It concludes saying Playing catch-up, Malawi stayed close in the final stanza but couldn’t pull back the Flyers’ lead.
However, former Malawi Queens captain Peace-Kalua-Chawinga described the Queens performance as not bad and praised the fighting hard spirit from the girls.
“We only lacked tactics to finish off the game otherwise the team played well in both matches. I have no doubt that if the coaches will get it right on tactical we will beat one of the giants,” said Chawinga.
Saturday 9th November 2013-11-08
-Malawi Queens vs New Zealanda @ 05:55.
-Malawi Queens vs England @ 07:25.
-Malawi Queens vs south Africa@ 09:40.
All games to be beamed live on Super Sport channel 205 and Super Sport 5 HD.
