As the Telkom Netball League Power Week 1 reached its midway point on Tuesday, teams began to find consistency and rhythm, delivering a day filled with high-quality performances, dramatic finishes and a standout Gauteng derby to cap proceedings in Durban.
JAGUARS OUTCLASS FIREBALLS
The highly anticipated Gauteng derby between the Jaguars and Fireballs lived up to expectations, with the Jaguars producing a composed and clinical performance to secure a 45-38 victory and claim the Jukskei River bragging rights.
The Jaguars come out on top in the Gauteng derby. 🐈🔥#TNLJaguarsFireballs #TelkomStandTall #TNL2026 #TNLisBack #TelkomNL@TelkomZA pic.twitter.com/Y5nwaOPV5S
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) April 28, 2026
The Fireballs made the brighter start, taking a 13-9 lead at the end of the first quarter, with their midcourt intensity forcing early errors from the Jaguars.
However, the Jaguars responded with key tactical adjustments, turning the game around to lead 22–19 going into halftime.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Pretoria based side delivered a dominant third quarter to extend their advantage, before controlling the final stages to close out an impressive win.
Luane Smith (GA) was named Player of the Match for her influential performance in attack.
🏅 PLAYER OF THE MATCH#TNLJaguarsFireballs
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) April 28, 2026
A touch of class 🐆🔥
Luané Smith (GA, Jaguars) adds the flair to secure the win.#TelkomStandTall #TNL2026 #TNLisBack #TelkomNL@TelkomZA pic.twitter.com/sObE9GGztp
TORNADOS BLOW AWAY QUEENS
In another match, the Tornados continued their strong run in the competition with a commanding 61–39 victory over the Kingdom Queens in the opening match of the day.
A fast start saw the Tornados surge to a 16-6 lead in the first quarter, setting the tone early. They maintained control throughout, extending their advantage to 30-18 at halftime and 40030 after three quarters.
Despite efforts from the Queens to respond, the Tornados’ measured and composed play proved decisive.
DRAMATIC DRAW
The Limpopo derby between the Baobabs and Lilies delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament so far, ending in a thrilling 46-46 draw.
This was the first recorded draw of the tournament thus far.
The Baobabs dominated the early stages, leading 13-7 after the first quarter, but the Lilies mounted a strong comeback in the second half.
In a frantic finish, the Lilies appeared to have secured victory with a last-second Telkom Supershot, only for the Baobabs to respond immediately and level the scores in the dying moments.
A tightly contested battle 🔥
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) April 28, 2026
The Limpopo derby ends in a draw.#TNLLiliesBaobabs #TelkomStandTall #TNL2026 #TNLisBack #TelkomNL@TelkomZA pic.twitter.com/knAujpn1PT
DIAMONDS AND FLAMES SECURE IMPORTANT WINS
The Diamonds produced a clinical display to defeat the Comets 59-36, capitalising on turnovers and maintaining strong control through the middle phases of the match.
Meanwhile, the Flames held off a determined Kingdom Stars side to claim a 46-41 victory in a physical and closely contested encounter.
What a comeback 🔥
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) April 28, 2026
A tightly contested clash 😬
Flames turn it around and take the win!#TNLFlamesStars #TelkomStandTall #TNL2026 #TNLisBack #TelkomNL@TelkomZA pic.twitter.com/SwQPTByAUK
Stars had enjoyed capacity crowds every single day since the start of Power Week 1, they found themselves playing with less fans this morning.
After trailing for much of the match, the Flames surged late to take control and close out the win.
CRINUMS MAINTAIN MOMENTUM, MALAWI IMPRESS AGAIN
The Crinums continued their strong campaign with a 63-51 win over the Southern Stings, showcasing their composure in key moments.
Crinums 4/4 🔥
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) April 28, 2026
Still undefeated, but a strong fight from the Stings. ⚡️#TNLCrinumsStings #TelkomStandTall #TNL2026 #TNLisBack #TelkomNL@TelkomZA pic.twitter.com/AREsos9jpt
With Refiloe Nketsa controlling the tempo in midcourt and Karla Victor delivering a standout performance, the Crinums once again proved their title credentials.
The Malawi U21 side also continued to impress, securing a convincing 47-34 victory over Sonoblomo with a disciplined and focused performance that highlights their growing confidence in the competition.
A strong response 🇲🇼🔥
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) April 28, 2026
The Malawi Queen Cubs rebound with a convincing win over Sonoblomo.#TNLSonoblomoMalawiU23 #TelkomStandTall #TNL2026 #TNLisBack #TelkomNL@TelkomZA pic.twitter.com/5W9AKEjFXV
LOOKING AHEAD
With Power Week 1 now at its midpoint, teams are settling into their systems and intensity levels continue to rise.
If Day five is anything to go by, the race for top positions in both divisions is set to become even more competitive in the days ahead.
© Netball South Africa