Telkom Netball League (TNL) teams reacted with mixed emotions after some booked a place in the finals, while others were kicked out of the tournament held at the Ellis Park Sports Arena in Johannesburg.
The matches were incredibly intense, keeping spectators on the edge ahead of Wednesday’s finals.
The Diamonds victory over the Queens displayed a remarkable level of maturity and skill that surpassed all expectations, which has seen them grow throughout the tournament.
They won 53-46, leaving the Queens with valuable takeaways and numerous important lessons to learn from.
The first semi-final of the day between the Eastern Cape Comets and the Sunbirds was fiercely competitive, with relentless defence from the Comets and the Sunbirds refusing to give up.
The match went into extra-time, as both teams fought hard until the end, with the Comets emerging victorious.
The KD Stars will face the Comets in the Division B final in the last match on Wednesday.
The Stars’ secured the spot in the B-section final, after they overcame the Tornadoes, albeit by one goal.
The winner of the Division final will then play the relegation/promotion game against the Baobabs who occupy the last spot in the A- section.
In the first A division semi-final, the Western Cape Stings shocked the defending champions, the Jaguars, by beating them 48-46, to secure a spot in the final.
Coach Rozanne Matthyse made several changes, and it was Kamo Maseko who showcased her quality as a player and her ability to influence the game.
The Jaguars will now play in their 11th consecutive TNL final, while the Stings will battle for the bronze medal.
Meanwhile, in the highly anticipated second Division A semi-final, the stage was set for a compelling clash between two former teammates turned rival coaches (Dr Elsje Jordaan and Martha Mosoahle-Samm), as the Fireballs went head-to-head with the Crinums.
Despite several challenges from their previous matches, the Crinums stuck to their initial squad, with Karla Pretorious effectively leading the team.
In a standout performance, Zandri Fourie exhibited exceptional skill, earning the title of the player of the match.
The Crinums emerged victorious 43-39 against the Fireballs.
Full Day Results
Division B – PLAYOFF POSITION 7/8
Queens 46-53 Diamonds
Division B – SEMI-FINAL 1
Comets 50-48 Sunbirds (In extra time)
Division B – SEMI-FINAL 2
KD Stars 38-37 Tornados
Division A – SEMI-FINAL 1
Jaguars 48-46 Stings
Division A – SEMI-FINAL 2
Fireballs 39-43 Crinums
Tuesday (18 June) Fixtures:
Division B – PLAYOFF POSITION 5/6| vs
Division A – PLAYOFF POSITION 5/6| vs
Division B – PLAYOFF POSITION 3/4| vs
Division A – PLAYOFF POSITION 3/4| vs
Division B – FINAL| Comets vs KD Stars
