Durban Girls’ College (DGC) claimed the inaugural Durban North Regional title in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge that took place at Durban North College recently.
In a fast-paced game, DGC took on Danville Park Girls’ High School in the regional final after opening their account with a well-crafted goal from right under the hoop by Erin Girodo, after a nifty pass from the captain, Tanna de Freitas. Danville responded on the other side with a calm shot being netted by Ami Storm.
The game yo-yo’d for a while as one team progressed by scoring, only for the opposition to level the score line shortly after. Nearing the end of the first half, DGC pulled slightly away with two back-to-back goals, giving them an advantage of 6 goals to Danville’s 4 going into half time.
Danville were first to score in the second half, edging the score up to 6-5 in favour of DGC, but the opposition dominated the next 90 seconds of play and took their tally up to 8-5. Danville pushed hard, sending up short, sharp bursts of play into the DGC circle but were unable to reel in the 3-point deficit.
DGC signature long range passes were always a decisive response to Danville’s fast attacks, and again the score stepped up with both teams firing in a goal, and then another goal being recorded on the other side. With time almost up, DGC took the game further away from Danville with the last passage of play seeing them basketing three more quick fire goals, taking the score to 14-8 at the full-time whistle.
In the semi-finals, DGC met host school, Durban North College, and dominated the game with an 18-2 victory. Danville took on Crawford La Lucia in their semi-final and in a very even matched game, took the win 10-8, with both teams only scoring three goals each in the second half.
Captain for DGC, Tanna de Freitas said: “It was a great tournament with some amazing competition. I am very proud of everyone, especially my team.”
DGC coach Annie Nurcombe added: “The tournament was very professionally run. It was really refreshing to play a fast 5s tournament, we haven’t played for a long time and the competition was brilliant and the umpires were amazing and I thank you all for your contribution and this opportunity.”
