By James Robert Kayindi
The Uganda national netball team, ‘The She Cranes’ finished in 8th place at the Netball World Cup after a 64-41 defeat against Wales in a classification clash yesterday.
Much as many expected to see a revengeful side from Uganda having lost to the same side 47-49 in the final group D game of the preliminary rounds, that didn’t seem the case when the two sides fielded on Sunday. Having played so many games at the competition within a very short time, fatigue seemed to have gotten the best of the She Cranes.
Both teams fielded their good sides however Wales still had the edge over Uganda as they condemned them to a 15-11 defeat in the first quarter despite She Cranes skipper Peace Proscovia looking much better and notching nine goals in nine attempts.
Uganda continued to struggle through the second quarter, losing it 9-17 and giving Wales a 13 goal advantage at half-time. 33-20 was the half-time score.
Returning into the third quarter, the She Cranes came out with better strategies that saw them lead Wales with a 5 goal advantage within the first three minutes of the quarter before Wales answered with a quick four pull back.
However the Uganda managed to come out on top of the third quarter by a 15-11 score and shortening Wales’ 13goal lead to 9 (44-35).
At the start of the final quarter, both teams made changes with Wales bringing on Stephanie Williams while Uganda brought Rachael Nanyonga back into the game.
With five minutes on the clock, Oyella, picked up an injury leaving Uganda vulnerable as Wales outscored the She Cranes 20-6 in the final quarter.
Sharp shooter Peace Proscovia scored 31 goals, Oyella with six and an injured Nanyonga came out with just four.
Meanwhile, the hosts Australia edged New Zealand with a three goal margin to be crowned champions of the 2015 Netball World Cup at the Allphones Arena in Sydney, Australia.
The She Cranes are expected to return today.
World Cup Final:
New Zealand 55-58 Australia
Bronze Match:
England 66-44 Jamaica
Fifth Place:
Malawi 46-48 South Africa
Seventh Place:
Wales 64-41 Uganda
Email Robert: Robert.k.circles@gmail.com