The Diamonds and the Sunbirds locked horns in a scintillating clash this morning, with both teams producing an entertaining contest from start to finish. The Sunbirds were efficient from the outset, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on early opportunities, but the Diamonds gradually settled into the game midway through the opening quarter and showed discipline to draw level thirteen minutes in. A goal from Diamonds Goal Shooter Colene Dercksen, followed by a two-pointer from Goal Attack Brenscha Badenhorst, gave the side a three-goal lead before Sunbirds Shooter Kelly Ann Gouws responded with a two-pointer to move within one goal at the end of the quarter.
The Sunbirds opened the second quarter with renewed intensity, turning the tables through impressive defensive efforts. However, the Diamonds quickly regrouped by winning rebounds and converting during the Telkom Super Shot to take a 26-25 lead at half time. For most part of the third quarter, both teams were going goal for goal but a pivotal turnover from Diamonds Goal Defense Keletso Gontho and a center pass conversion gave the side a three-goal advantage. The Sunbirds increased their intensity and squared things off in the latter stages of the quarter but the Diamonds’ late surge, scoring three goals versus the one that the Sunbirds scored, restored their two-goal lead ahead of the final quarter.
The Diamonds had a run of unanswered goals which helped them extend the lead by six goals in the last quarter as the Sunbirds struggled to reel themselves in, despite making some defensive changes. Although the Super Shot battle remained evenly contested, the Mpumalanga side still lost 50-55 to the Northern Cape side.
Elsewhere, Sonoblomo produced a lackluster performance against the Baobabs, suffering a heavy 34-64 defeat in the process. Fatigue appeared to play a role after playing three matches in the last twenty-four hours. Defensively, the Baobabs overpowered Sonoblomo and were already thirteen goals up by halftime. Baobabs Goal Attack Rochelle Maree did what she does best in the third quarter, converting four two-pointers during the Super Shot period as her side surged to a 51-28 lead before the final quarter. Sonoblomo still had no solutions to deflate the Baobabs defensive pressure and were missing crucial shots which resulted in a demoralizing defeat in the end.
In the other Division two match, The Tornados produced a dominant opening quarter against the Kingdom Queens, opening up a 19-12 lead through their defensive set ups and dominance across court. Their ability to force turnovers and capitalize on gains proved decisive early on, with the unbeaten side recording sixteen gains compared to the Queens’ eleven by half time. The Queens showed notable improvements in the second quarter, particularly with their ball handling and movement through court. Goal Attack Thobekile Mjaja once again orchestrated play, ensuring the ball was delivered safely inside the shooting circle as the Queen fought back after trailing by as many as nine goals. However, a missed opportunity from Queens Shooter Aphiwe Thusini and a footwork error halted the Queens’ momentum just as they had reduced the deficit to six goals and went into the break nine goals behind again.
The Queens continued to show resilience in the third quarter, but the Tornados remained committed to keeping their record intact. Mjaja made her presence felt during the Super Shot period, converting two two-pointers to keep the Queens within touching distance but Tornados Goal Attack Rochelle Rossouw responded with a two-pointer and helped the side win the quarter by six goals, adding to the tally. The Tornados’ consistency paid dividends in overcoming the Queens even in the final quarter, securing a convincing 65-41 victory.
”We had a checklist; we had to tick a few boxes especially on attack. Our ball speed, placement, our lines and I think we worked really well to achieve that, so we can move on to the next thing. Defensively, we put a lot of pressure, but we’ve been focusing on the process rather than the end result”, Tornados coach Lucy Twani added after the game.
Earlier on, the Zambezi Eagles displayed an impressive fight and a spirited performance against the Crinums despite suffering a 50-61 defeat. Although their matches don’t count towards the standings, the Eagles continue to gain valuable exposure. Meanwhile, the Crinums maintained the unbeaten run ahead of a crucial encounter against the Southern Stings tomorrow.
RESULTS:
Zambezi Eagles 50-61 Crinums
Baobabs 67-34 Sonoblomo
Diamonds 55-50 Sunbirds
Queens 41-65 Tornados
