Gems shine brightly in recording first Celtic Cup victory.
7th November 2024
Zimbabwe have recorded an impressive 54-46 victory against Northern Ireland in their opening match at the Celtic Cup in Glasgow.
The Gems got off to a flying start against the Warriors. Fresh off a two-match series against the Welsh Feathers last weekend, they stormed out of the gates and led 14-7 at the first break. Gems GS Mawango was proving difficult to stop and the ball flowed swiftly downcourt while the Warriors found their groove.
The second quarter saw an immediate response from Northern Ireland and the momentum began to turn. Rogers and Magee in the shooting circle found a good rhythm and their combination saw the Warriors win the quarter 11-8 and the lead for the Gems was trimmed to four at half time, 22-18.
The half time break proved just the tonic for the Gems and they stormed out of the gates to begin the third quarter, scoring 7 of the first 10 goals to re-establish a 7 goal margin. Individual matchups up and down the court were a feature of the quarter, especially the clash between Gems WA Luya and the Warriors WD Toner. Despite some enterprising play for much of the third quarter from the Warriors, the Gems took the quarter 17-13 and went to the last break full of confidence leading 39-31.
The Warriors showed plenty of determination to begin the fourth quarter and cut the Gems lead to 5 with ten minutes remaining. Zimbabwe’s recent match play was evident as the quarter progressed and they steadied themselves once more and maintained their comfortable advantage. Gems C Muzanenamo proved instrumental at both ends of the court with her aerial display defensively and her deft feeds in the attacking third. 15-goals each in the final quarter and the margin remained at 8. Gems GK Emma Mushore was named player of the match.
Starting Lineups:
Zimbabwe: T. Mawango (GS), U.Nolovu (GA), A. Luya (WA), N. Muzanenamo (C), Z. Takadanaighe (WD), F. Kwangwa (GD), E. Mushore (GK)
Northern Ireland: R. McCloskey (GS), E. Magee (GA), E. McCagherty (WA), N. Cooper (C), F. Toner (WD), M. Magee (GD), L. Walshe (GK)
Shooting statistics:
Zimbabwe
T Mawango 15/15
U Nolovu 15/18
T Nolovu 23/23
Northern Ireland
O. Rogers 27/30
E. Magee 19/23
Zimbabwe will take on Scotland at 8.00pm on Friday while Northern Ireland will commence proceedings for Day 2 when they battle with Wales at 6.00pm. Matches will continue on Saturday to determine the finalists on Sunday.
All matches can be viewed on BBC iPlayer.
