The final day of the Telkom Netball League (TNL) lived up to its expectations, following a thrilling and intense final game which saw the Free State Crinums beat Gauteng Jaguars 47-46 at the Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg.
The game was a rematch of last year’s final between the two team’s when the Jaguars narrowly defeated the Crinums in the final.
It seemed destined to go into extra time or even sudden death, as the two giants put in an exceptional performance in the final.
Karla Pretorious brought a wealth of experience and leadership skills to the Crinum team, making a significant impact.
Ane Retief and Refiloe Nketsa also played pivotal roles in leading the team, providing valuable guidance to younger players, such as Reratilwe Letsoalo.
The Jaguars were initially trailing, but they staged a comeback with their strong mindset.
Player of the match, Kamo Maseko, performed well under pressure, displaying clinical skills, and providing solid defence, accuracy, and feeds to the circle.
However, they fell short, losing to the Crinums by just one goal.
The game took a dramatic turn when Alyssa Trahams was awarded a penalty shot with only five seconds remaining in the shooting circle.
“Over the moon, super excited.
We’ve been training, working so hard and talking about this moment for a long time.
We’re so overwhelmed, thank you God for all these girls that put their bodies on the line.
They needed it more than last year, but it slipped right through our fingers when we thought we had won it.
This year the girls knew what they wanted, they deserve it,” said an excited Crinums coach, Martha Mosoahle-Samm.
In an earlier encounter, a battle ensued in a promotion/relegation match between 2024 Division B winners the Kingdom Stars and the Limpopo Baobabs.
The Stars went into the match after playing two highly contested back-to-back matches against the Kingdom Queens and Eastern Cape Comets.
Emily Mathosa’s team lost all their matches throughout the season but won a crucial match when it mattered most.
Meanwhile, it took KD Stars some time to score their first goal.
By then, the Limpopo Baobabs team was already in a comfortable lead and continued to dominate the game and, as a result, they secured their spot in the Division A once again.
FULL DAY RESULTS:
PROMOTION/RELEGATION MATCH
Baobabs 65-40 Stars
Division 1 FINAL
Jaguars 46-47 Crinums
DIVISION TWO INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
Best Shooter: Alice Kennon – Jaguars
Best Centre: Refiloe Nketsa – Free State Crinums
Best Defender: Jamie Van Wyk – Jaguars
STAND TALL Player of the Tournament: Karla Pretorious – Free State Crinums
