…….Blue Eagles 29-21 Civonets
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE -(MaraviPost)-The highly anticipated MK24 million Mpico Gateway Mall Central Region Netball League reached its pinnacle over the weekend, as the defending champions, Blue Eagles, narrowly edged out Civonets with a 29-21 victory in a fierce battle at Gateway Court.
Blue Eagles, who have dominated the league since its inception, held a 9-5 lead in the first quarter and extended it to 16-11 by halftime.
The match was marked by intense physical play from both sides, each vying for the top position.
In the third quarter, Blue Eagles continued to soar high, but Civonets displayed remarkable resilience, resulting in a score of 24-21.
At the final whistle, Blue Eagles emerged as victors, with a final score of 29-21 against Civonets.
Assistant coach for Civonets, Tina Kamzati, acknowledged the defeat while attributing it to poor officiating.
She expressed determination to seek revenge in the second round and emphasized the need for her team to score more goals to overcome Eagles.
“Indeed we have lost the match but umpires contributed. We will continue fighting for the championship and what we have to do is to revenge the defeat in the second round. We need to score more goals to overcome Eagles” Kamzati said.
Meanwhile, Blue Eagles’ head coach, Madano Tepheteya, praised his team for their hard-fought victory and acknowledged the challenges they anticipate in the tough season ahead.
He expressed confidence in his team’s ability to maintain their dominance in the league.
“We expect tough season as teams have prepared well but we will continue flapping our wings hard so that we continue with the dominance of the league”,Said Tepheteya
As the first round concluded, Blue Eagles led the league with 32 points from 16 games, while Civonets secured the second position with 30 points.
Young Eagles are third with 28 points and on 4th position are MAFCO soldiers with 26 points followed by Lioness at 5th with 24 points.
The first round of the Central Region Netball League is scheduled to conclude on the weekend of September 9th to 10th, 2023.
Vice General Secretary of the league committee, Daniel Chigowo Nyirenda, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from all stakeholders, including umpires, bench officials, teams, and sponsors MPICO.
“The support from the Sponsors MPICO is overwhelming, there have been there for us in good and tough times.In the second round we expect the momentum to maintain.
“Before the second round we are anticipating to hold a meeting which we shall look at the league in all angles”,Nyirenda said.
Other results from the weekend’s games including:
1.Airbase 30-54 Adorable,
2.Great Queens 43-28 KCH,
3.Adorable 100-0 Support Battalion (who did not show up for the game),
4.MAFCO Soldiers 41-31 Lioness,
5.Boma 100-0 KIA,
6.Great Queens 36-36 Airbase,
7.Young Eagles 77-3 KCH,
8.MAFCO 71-3 KCH.