Day 3 of the Telkom Netball League at the Durban ICC featured an intense match where the Crinums triumphed over the Jaguars 55-44, continuing their championship defence.
The Crinums secured an early lead with effective gameplay and stellar super shots, while the Jaguars faced issues with shooting consistency and accumulated 52 penalties.
Crinums coach Martha Mosoahle-Sam highlighted their strong start: “The first quarter was amazing. We built a nine-goal lead, giving us a significant advantage. Our focus is on the semifinals, but we’ll prepare for the Baobabs next,” she stated.
Jaguars coach Rozanne Matthyse acknowledged the need for improvement: “We must deliver solid performances. We’re in the top four, but we need to reflect and improve for the semifinals.”
🔥 It’s always lit when these two powerhouses meet.
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 16, 2025
Rivalry. Respect. Pure Netball Magic. 💥#TNLJaguarsCrinums #TelkomNL #TNL2025 #TelkomStandTall @TelkomZA pic.twitter.com/XvfaZEaSM4
The Jaguars will face the Aloes, while the Crinums will take on the Baobabs in their final matches before the semifinals next Friday.
In another match that kept the masses on the edge of their seats was the match between the Golden Fireballs and North West Flame.
The Fireballs advanced to the semifinals with a flawless run, culminating in a 62-45 win over the North West Flames.
The Fireballs showcased outstanding tactical awareness and ability, with only 12 turnovers and eight interceptions.
What. A. Battle. ⚔️ The Flames brought the fire, but the Fireballs held their ground in a scorching showdown! 🔥#TNLFireballsFlames #TelkomNL #TNL2025 #TelkomStandTall @TelkomZA pic.twitter.com/pIz3iycqGA
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 16, 2025
Fireballs coach Dr. Elsje Jordaan expressed her pride, saying, “I’m extremely proud of my players, the way they showed relentlessness and resilience to pull themselves back under pressure. We really needed this win, and I thought our performance was brilliant.”
In contrast, Flames coach Elsunet Du Plessis reflected on his team’s performance, stating, “We had very good first three quarters…We unfortunately had too many unforced errors and did not finish off our scoring opportunities.”
The win secures the Fireballs’ spot in the semifinals, while the Flames will now compete in the playoffs for positions 5 and 6, looking to maintain their momentum.
DIVISION 2 WRAP
The Sunbirds dominated the Comets 45-31 in a physical, fast-paced match.
Their composure and accuracy in the shooting circle proved decisive, particularly in the second half.
Despite a strong second-quarter fight from the Comets, the Sunbirds’ defence and confident shooting under pressure secured the win.
The Comets showed promising fight spirit, highlighting their potential despite still seeking their first win in the third and final Power Week.
🔥 Steady and strong!
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 16, 2025
The Mpumalanga Sunbirds keep their momentum going and stay firmly in the Division 2 top four! ☀️💪
Q1 🐦13-4☄️
Q2 🐦23-16☄️
Q3 🐦33-23☄️
Q4 🐦45-31☄️#TNLSunbirdsComets #TelkomNL #TNL2025 #TelkomStandTall @TelkomZA pic.twitter.com/KUmqB2BJmo
In an exciting KZN Derby match, the Kingdom Stars dominated the Kingdom Queens 55-32, showcasing exceptional defence and clinical finishing.
The Stars’ defensive structure was rock-solid, and their circle defence created ample scoring opportunities.
The Stars’ dominance in the KZN Derby was evident, and they left the arena on a high note.
The match highlighted key areas for improvement for the Queens, particularly in shooting per centages and capitalising on defensive efforts.
One derby. Two chapters. The Queens won round one — today, the Stars strike back! 🌟
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 16, 2025
Q1 👑7-10🌟
Q2 👑16-22🌟
Q3 👑23-39🌟
Q4 👑32-55🌟#TNLQueensStars #TelkomNL #TNL2025 #TelkomStandTall @TelkomZA pic.twitter.com/Tsza0WbL80
Meanwhile, the Tornados, who currently top the log standings in Division 2, secured a convincing 45-35 win over Tshukudu, avenging their previous loss to the same team.
According to Tornado’s coach Lucy Twani, the match was a confidence booster and an opportunity to prove their team’s strategy.
“We needed to show that we can beat them,” Twani said. “By sticking to our game plan, we proved to ourselves that it works. We just need to do it repeatedly, backing each other and trusting the plan.”
The Tornados’ 10-goal difference victory showcased their dominance, solidifying their position in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, it’s back to the drawing board for Coach Vivian Foko, who has one more round robin encounter against the Comets.
💥 A different story this time! Tshukudu edged it by 3 goals in Power Week 1 — but today the Tornados strike back for the win! 🌪️
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) July 16, 2025
Q1 🦏7-13🌪️
Q2 🦏17-23🌪️
Q3 🦏24-36🌪️
Q4 🦏35-45🌪️#TNLTshukuduTornados #TelkomNL #TNL2025 #TelkomStandTall @TelkomZA pic.twitter.com/NfMfSHoyNg
The Durban ICC was electric as spectators came in numbers to support their home teams, singing and cheering on their favourite players.
WEDNESDAY RESULTS
D2: Diamonds 46 – 35 Lilies
D2: Tshukudu 35 – 45 Tornados
D1: Fireballs 62 – 45 Flames
D2: Kingdom Queens 32 – 55 Kingdoms Stars
D2: Sunbirds 45 – 31 Comets
17:00 – D1: Jaguars 44 v 55 Crinums
19:00 – D2: Lilies 34 – 61 Sonoblomo
THURSDAY FIXTURES
07:00 – D2: Comets v Tshukudu
09:00 – D2: Sonoblomo v Kingdom Queens
11:00 – D1: Crinums v Baobabs
13:00 – D1: Stings v Fireballs
15:00 – D1: Jaguars v Aloes
17:00 – D2: Kingdom Stars v Sunbirds
19:00 – D2: Diamonds v Tornados