BY MAGRETH RUZVIDZO

Zimbabwe’s senior netball team ended their African Cup netball campaign on a good footing after claiming a 57-46 victory over Kenya yesterday.

The victory was a huge relief for the team following their 47-44 loss to Botswana on Sunday.

The Gems campaign was a story of ups and downs as they struggled for consistency throughout the tournament.

In yesterday’s game, the Gems dominated from the first quarter until the final whistle, but better ball control would have seen more scores for the Gems.

Both teams opted for the first quarter break 16-8, the second quarter 31-22, the third quarter 44-32 and the final quarter 57-46, all in favor of the Gems.

After the game, Zimbabwe Netball Association President Letitia Chipandu said the victory was timely and would boost the girls’ confidence as they were fielding a young team.

“Our daughters played the type of game we expected them to play.

“The team attacked and defended as a whole. They looked calmer, they enjoyed the game, they were determined to win and we won against Kenya, ”she said.

“We are very happy with this victory because it will add our points and also our world ranking.

“Let me say it was one of the best games the girls have played after losing to Botswana yesterday (Sunday) due to fatigue. I’m happy to say it was a much needed experience for the girls.

Chipandu added: “We didn’t win as much as we expected, but still we are happy, we are grateful for what we did as a team. This will really motivate the young people to want to train to stay in shape for the next meeting.

The Gems started their campaign with a 78-27 loss to South Africa before rebounding in their second game against Namibia, where they won 50-49.

They were then edged out by sixth-place Malawi, 56-42 in their third game.

Their fourth game against Tanzania became their remarkable victory over the first after beating the East Africans 58-39.

On Saturday they played two matches where they were first beaten by Uganda 73-47 before ending their day with a 54-53 victory over Zambia.

The game against Zambia was a hotly contested affair following their Pent Series draw.

The loss to Botswana was probably their lowest point in this tournament.

They were dominated from the first to the last quarter, allowing Botswana to register their first victory in the tournament.

• Follow Magreth on Twitter @MagrethRuzzidzo