Commonwealth Netball Day One
Gold Coast, Australia.
New Zealand 64-51 Uganda
The Uganda National Netball team started with a loss in the ongoing Commonwealth games in Gold Coast, Australia.
The She Cranes succumbed to a 64-51 loss to New Zealand in one of the four Netball games played on the second day of the events.
Despite a show of absolute resilience and determination, the Cranes seemed to lose it as the game wore on in front of an exhilarating crowed which had several individuals cheering for the girls from East Africa.
Uganda who are featuring for the first time in a Netball tournament at the commonwealth had little chance against a side that has featured prominently in all the five editions that the games have had Netball since 2002.
Uganda started strongly led by the ever green captain, Peace Proscovia but the difference in quality started to tell as early as the last few minutes of the first period and the New Zealanders ensured they led 15-10 at the sound of the first break whistle.
The New Zealand Ferns showed that they are in Australia for business as they staged a strong display with the guidance of their experienced go to player Maria Folau to take a 32-22 lead at halftime.
Despite good displays from goal attacker Rachael Nanyonga in the following quarters, the Ferns took a 49-37 lead in the third half before sealing their 13 point game.
This was the second high profile meeting between the two sides including the match they played at the 2015 world cup which also saw New Zealand win comfortably 76-33.
Peace Proscovia too scored for the She Cranes with 34 goals and Nanyonga followed her on 14.
The she cranes will now take a rest before returning to action on Saturday with Malawi in an all-African affair.
Uganda seven players used;
Lillian Ajio, Ruth Meeme, Halima Nakachwa, Stella Nanfuka, Florence Nanyonga, Rachael Nanyonga and Peace proscovia.
Other Day one results
England 74-28 Scotland
Jamaica 88-30 Fiji
Australia 94-26 Northern Ireland.
