Mwawi, Mvula find rhythm overseas

The country’s netball exports Mwawi Kumwenda and Joyce Mvula continued to make headlines overseas last weekend when they helped their respective Australian and English clubs Melbourne Vixens and Manchester Thunder secure second victories.

Vixens triumphed 56-45 over West Coast Fever at the Hisense Arena while Thunder earned a 62-53 home victory over Celtic Dragons.

Coming off a draw against NSW Swifts last week, the Vixens managed a second triumph of the season against Fever in this round-four encounter of Suncorp Super Netball at the Hisense Arena and Kumwenda was at her best.

“Goal shooter Kumwenda made the most of her opportunities with 36 goals from 39 attempts, and goal attack Tegan Phillip (20/26) gave the crowd plenty to cheer about. However, it was emerging defender Emily Mannix who earned MVP honours,” Herald Sun reported.

So far, the Vixens have won 17 of their last 19 encounters with the Fever, and have not lost a match to them since Round 6 of the 2015 season.

In the Vitality Netball Super League, Mvula was instrumental as Thunder relied on a last-gasp performance to chalk their second victory in three league matches.

Thunder’s website www.manchesterthunder.com, stated: “Dragons levelled the scores [36-all] and [coach Karen] Greig had seen enough and shuffled the pack. She took off half-time substitute Amy Clinton, with Mvula, who had a strong first-half, rejoining the party.”

“They powered to unassailable 10-goal lead with five minutes to go and the game petered out, with the Black and Yellows taking their second win of the season.”