Tigresses clinch Rainbow Paints trophy: Malawi netball
Tigresses declared enough was enough on Saturday when they snatched the Rainbow Paints Top Six Series in the hands of Diamonds with a 40-37 margin at Blantyre Youth Centre to be crowned 2013 Champions.
The first quarter belonged to Diamonds, who despite missing the services of their goal shooter Jessica Mazengera, displayed some scintillating netball especially though Sarudzai Gondwe, who they relied most to notch baskets.
But Diamonds led the first quarter 10-8.
The tempo of the game changed in the second quarter when Tigresses dominated the proceedings of the match especially on the centre circle where probably player of the match Beatrice Mpinganjira over powered Bridget Kumwenda for Diamonds.
As the two teams were going to recess, it was Tigresses leading with 21-18 baskets.
Come third quarter, it was the turn for Sindi ‘Sniper’ Simutowe, who tormented Diamonds defence, which was marshalled by Caroline ‘Ayuda’ Ngwira.
Simutowe was a marvel to watch as she notched most of the baskets assisted by the fantastic combination of their outstanding centre Beatrice and Grace ‘Pincord’ Mwafulirwa.
However, despite a jittery performance, Diamonds were good in goals, where Towera ‘Tobe,’ Vinkhumbo showed why she deserves a place in Malawi Queens.
Towera, better to be described as the jet-figher bomber was well timed in her passes and taming some dangerous Tigresses passes from Ellen Chibokho.
Diamonds coach Charles Mhango was delighted with their victory vowing to scoop the OG Issa League again.
“I am so happy because we clinched the Rainbow Paints at the time many people ruled us out.” said Mhango.
Diamonds coach Griffin Saenda said he was disappointed to give away the Rainbow Paints but vowed to solder on in the remaining cups.
For scooping first place, Tigresses went away with K250, 000 while Diamonds received K120,000.
MTL Queens, who scooped third place after beating Glass Bank, received K100, 000.
Media awards
In the media category, Mphatso Malidadi for The Daily Times was voted best reporters in print while Arkangel Tembo from Malawi News Agency was voted the best reporter online with Japhet Thole for MIJ FM being voted the best in the electronic media.
From Television, Paul Kamange,who works for MBC TV scooped the first position while Bonex Julius for BNL and Bobby Kabango for The Nation Newspaper were voted best in photo-journalism.
