They had a very comfortable win over Eastern Cape in their morning match, beating their neighbours 73-10. The victory was no surprise and Western Cape dominated throughout the match.

Their second match, against North West, was much tougher. The two top four teams were neck and neck early in the match, and at the end of the first quarter, were level on 11-each. Both teams included some untried players in the place of their SPAR Proteas, who are not playing in the tournament, as well as players who have moved to other provinces, but in the end it was Western Cape that prevailed. At halftime, they were 21-18 ahead, and they led 32-28 at the end of the third quarter. The coastal team then pulled out all the stops and won the match 43-34.

Coach Annelie Lucas said she had expected a tough match, and was slightly surprised at the final goal difference.

“At the start of the first quarter, I told them to watch what the North West players were doing, and then we worked out our strategy accordingly,” she said.

“I knew they had new shooters and I believe we have the best defenders in the country. They turn a lot of balls and that gives us a chance.

“Our defenders did their work and we gradually gained control of the game.”

Western Cape have their toughest match so far on Wednesday, against Gauteng, and Lucas said they would prepare carefully for that encounter.

“What we need is patience and accurate shooters, and I believe that will help us to win that match.”

Gauteng also won both their matches on Tuesday, beating Kwa-Zulu Natal 47-29 and Eastern Cape 46-26. Coach Jenny van Dyk said she was very happy with her team’s performance so far.

“The absence of our Proteas means we can test our depth and give opportunities to untried players,” she said.

“We had a very physical match against KZN, but our defenders were very good and that helped us.

“If we can play consistent netball, I believe we can win the title,” said Van Dyk.

In other matches played on Tuesday, Free State also won both their matches, beating Mpumalanga 46-26 and Northern Cape 66-14. North West won their morning match, beating Northern Cape 53-27. Kwa-Zulu Natal beat Mpumalanga 37-34.

Day Two Results of the National Championships being played at Hoy Park Sports Complex on Tuesday

Senior Section A

North West 53 N Cape 27; Free State 48 Mpumalanga 26; W Cape 73 E Cape 10; Gauteng 47 KZN 29; Free State 66 N Cape 14; W Cape 43 North West 34; Gauteng 46 E Cape 26; KZN 37 Mpumalanga 34.

Senior Section B

KZN B1 46 Limpopo 45; Gauteng 49 N Cape12; W Cape 50 SANDF 20; Royal Bafokeng 40 SANDF 49 N Cape 18; KZN B1 48 Mpumalanga 38.

Under 21 Section A

Gauteng 45 E Cape 40; KZN 66 Limpopo 36; North West 51 Free State 18; Gauteng 40 W Cape 30; KZN 48 E Cape 44.
Under 21 Section B

W Cape 58 N Cape 17; Limpopo 41 Mpumalanga24; North West 42 Free State27; KZN 53 Royal Bafokeng 27; North West 48 N Cape 17; Limpopo 44 KZN 34.