SUNBIRDS REIGN SUPREME OVER LILIES AND MORE VICTORIES FOR TORNADOS AND JAGUARS
The Heartfelt Arena was ablaze with excitement on Sunday as netball enthusiasts eagerly waited for the final day of games for the week. The Western Cape Tornados and the Eastern Cape Comets started the day with a hard-fought victory for Tornados. The Western Cape side came out strong to finish the game 41-39 dominating the first quarter and securing a two-goal advantage over the Comets. In the second quarter, the Comets showed their determination to bounce back and completed the round with an equal number of goals as Tornados. They capitalized on the Tornados’ center half and made great use of their center passes to quickly cover the score and maintain a close look at their opponent.
The Eastern Cape Comets were determined to close down the gap and made changes to their shooting department, substituting Mihlali Mgweba, the player of the match from their previous game, with Princess Kanetsi. Despite their efforts, the Tornados proved to be a formidable opponent, maintaining their lead with a strong finishing.
Both teams were aware that it was now or never to secure victory as the final round began. The Tornados strengthened their defense by introducing Olukemi Agban Agbai as goalkeeper, this move further solidified the Western Cape’s defensive line, making it even more challenging for the Comets to breach their goal. The Tornados exhibited their resilience and unwavering determination, fending off every attempt by the Comets to close the gap. Their effective attacking strategies allowed them to maintain their lead until the final whistle to win the clash. Comets goal shooter Asekho Njeza picked up player of the match award for her efforts to close down the gap.
The Gauteng Jaguars emerged victorious with a commanding 55-28 victory when they met with Kingdom Stars. The game started off as a goal-filled spectacle in the opening minutes and it seemed like either team could take control of the match. However, it was the Jaguars who managed to establish a lead, ending the first quarter with a score of 16-10 in their favor.
When both teams returned from the break the Jaguars’ attacking combinations proved to be too much for the Kingdom Stars to handle. Coach Precious Mthembu’s team struggled to find their rhythm, only managing to score five goals in this quarter. Meanwhile, the Jaguars, led by the shooting duo of Chantelle Swart and Nonsikelelo Mazibuko, continued to pile on the goals, adding 15 more to their tally.
The third quarter saw the former champions, the Jaguars, maintain their dominance on the court. Their relentless scoring streak continued, and they managed to add another 11 goals to their total. On the opposite side of the court, the Kingdom Stars found it difficult to break through the Jaguars’ defense and could only score 6 goals in this quarter.
As the final quarter got underway, the Kingdom Stars were unable to mount a comeback and bridge the gap on the scoreboard. The Jaguars’ goal shooter, Nonsikelelo Mazibuko, continued to shine. Her exceptional performance throughout the game earned her the well-deserved title of player of the match.
The final game between the Mpumalanga Sunbirds and the Limpopo Lilies had an electrical atmosphere right from the first whistle. It was evident that the Sunbirds meant business and wasted no time in launching their attacking onslaught. With fast passes and precision shooting, they swiftly raced into the lead with 13 goals, leaving the Lilies struggling with 8 goals in the first quarter.
The return of the second quarter saw the Lilies regroup and tighten up their defense. Goalkeeper Rachel Mothiba fought tooth and nail with the Sunbirds’ shooters. However, the Lilies struggled to find their rhythm on the attacking end, resulting in a long-awaited breakthrough goal nearing the end of the quarter. The Sunbirds’ seemed to be having a ball scoring goals, amassing an impressive 16 goals in the second quarter, while the Lilies managed to get only 3.
The Sunbirds showed no signs of letting up in the third quarter and continued to pile on the pressure, relentlessly dictating the direction of the match. Atacia Mbuyane, the goal attack, and Regan Millard, the shooter, showcased their exceptional skills, seamlessly working together to create scoring opportunities. The quarter ended with the Sunbirds extending their lead.
With the final quarter left to play, the Lilies found themselves facing an uphill battle as they hardly received any scoring opportunities for their opponents. The Sunbirds were unstoppable in their quest to seal the game, with goal defender Tumelo Nkoe delivering a stellar performance that earned her the well-deserved title of the player of the match. In the end, the Sunbirds emerged victorious with an impressive final score of 58-26.
RESULTS
Tornados 41-39 Comets
Kingdom Stars 28-55 Jaguars
Sunbirds 58-26 Lilies
