Crinums end in fifth spot

Leading in style…Crinums captain, Maryka Holtzhausen, led the team to a fifth position finish

Explosive encounters can be expected over the weekend when Gauteng Jaguars take on Western Cape while North West Flames will battle it out with Gauteng Golden

Defending champions, the Free State Crinums, clinched fifth position in the Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League when they thrashed the Eastern Cape Aloes 77-28 in their play-off match at the Mangaung Indoor Arena on Saturday.

It was always written in the stars that the Aloes were in for a serious hiding as the Crinums, who have won the last three consecutive titles, had something to prove, and they did so in style.

Their charismatic captain, Maryka Holtzhausen who just returned from an eight-month lay-off due to injury, led her team in style as she rose to the occasion.

By halftime, the Crinums were 44-15 ahead, and it was clear that the Aloes were woefully outclassed throughout the second half as they continued to make silly mistakes, giving away fouls in dangerous positions which eventually cost them the match, leaving coach Des Neville frustrated as her team’s plan shattered to pieces.

For many, the outcome was to be expected, taking into account the defending champions were deposed on Friday night by the Southern Stings who beat them 52-42 in a pulsating encounter. A match they lost due to lack of decisiveness on the night.

Addressing the media, Aloes coach Des Neville said it was a disappointing finish for her and the team, but believed they could have salvaged a better result.

“It was a disappointing way to finish the tournament,” said Neville.

“But I am very proud of the way they fought. Height has been a problem for us – we obviously need to look for tall goal defenders and shooters so that we are not at a disadvantage.

“Our goal was to finish in the top six, and we did that, so we achieved our basic goal,” said Neville.

Despite the positive results, coach Burta de Kock said they could have successfully defended their title, had it not been for past results. However, she applauded her team for their comeback in the last encounter.

“This is not the finish we wanted, but I am very satisfied with the way they played,” said De Kock.

“I was pleased that I was able to play my whole bench, and when I changed the combinations, the players adapted well. We have a lot of young players, and it is good to know we have a lot of depth.”

Explosive encounters can be expected over the weekend when Gauteng Jaguars take on Western Cape while North West Flames will battle it out with Gauteng Golden.

Predictions as to who will proceed to the final taking place on 11 June are underway already. North West Flames who’ve been one of the most consistent teams in the League are expected to lift the trophy.