CRINUMS HAND COACH IDEAL GIFT AFTER CONQUERING A BRAWL AGAINST RELENTLESS STINGS
The Heartfelt Arena was high in spirits with the return of the Telkom Netball League. Not only was the netball fraternity spoiled with four fixtures that were on the cards, but fans had the privilege of witnessing the Vitality Netball World Cup Trophy live. Several dignitaries were also in attendance, and the entertainment added to the palpable, zealous atmosphere.
The Southern Stings and the Crinums game kept everyone on the edge of their seats, in a down-to-the-wire match that ended in favor of the Crinums. The Crinums got the ground running from the first whistle to set themselves apart with seven goals. Despite taking close to three minutes to get on the scoreboard, the Free State team were able to redeem themselves and lead 29-21 at half-time. A fired-up Stings side posed challenges for the Crinums defense as they attempted to close the gap in the third quarter. Stings’ Goal Attack Nichole Taljaard moved the team within one goal in the final four minutes, and it was indeed game on. Both sides missed some crucial chances, but the Crinums decided to put an end to the battle with a 47-44 victory.
The win was indeed a perfect birthday gift for coach Martha Mosoahle Samm, who was relieved in the end, ‘’This was a nerve wrecking victory especially after having a comfortable lead in the first three quarters, we didn’t expect this. I am also happy that stuff like this happen, so that the girls know it is not going to come easy. They became casual at the end and we nearly saw something that we didn’t want to see.’’
The Eastern Cape Aloes produced a brave first quarter performance against the Gauteng Jaguars, but were unable to show the same intensity throughout the match, which saw them suffer their fourth defeat and remain winless in the league following their 53-30 loss against the five-time champions. Only one goal separated the two sides in the first quarter, with Aloes Goal Keeper Jeanie Steyn stealing the show in the defensive circle. The Jaguars’ ethos came out in the second quarter when they resorted to their fast-paced game, extending the lead by thirteen goals at half-time. Both defensive circles put in a good shift in the third quarter, but a superb conversion rate and quality play from the Gauteng side resulted in an emphatic win.
The Tornados kept their unbeaten streak intact when they defeated the Free State Sonoblomo 68-33. The Tornados defense stormed out of the blocks from the onset, helping the side lead by eight goals in the opening quarter. Sonoblomo still struggled to find their feet in the second quarter and were subsequently punished in the process by Tornados Shooting pair Lauren Adendorf and Jean-Miriam Olivier, who had no issues converting the multiple gains. A second half lackluster performance from the Free state side made it impossible for them to close the gap, allowing the Tornados to have more chances with the ball and walk away victorious.
In the other Division Two match, the Kingdom Queens snuck in a last-minute 42-40 victory against the Limpopo Lilies in a game that was decided in the final two minutes. This was the Queens’ second win in the competition, having lost three of their matches during Power Week in April. Meanwhile, the Lilies will draw some positives from this game as they continue to search for that elusive first win.
Full Results
Tornados 68-33 Sonoblomo
Queens 42-40 Lilies
Jaguars 53-30 Aloes
Stings 47-44 Crinums
3 June (Saturday) Fixtures
08:00- Diamonds vs Sunbirds
10:00- Sonoblomo vs Lilies
12:00- Stars vs Flames
14:00- Crinums vs Fireballs
16:00- Baobabs vs Comets
18:00- Jaguars vs Stings
