The opening game of day seven of the Telkom Netball League saw the Limpopo Baobabs suffer their second consecutive defeat following their 53-35 loss against the Tornados. The Tornados got off on the right foot, leading 14-6 in the first quarter. Baobabs shooters- Zanneke Ras and Mmakgabo Moutlana struggled to connect as the Tornados defensive unit of Yeukai Chamba and Dominique Wepener kept on applying pressure to create those turnovers.
Baobabs Goal Shooter- Muhluri Hlatshwayo made a difference to the side after being introduced in the second quarter, the team found their rhythm and won 14-11 in the third quarter subsequently closing the gap to ten goals. The Limpopo side couldn’t maintain their momentum going into the fourth quarter and the Tornados took full advantage of that.
In the other match, the Eastern Cape Aloes were trailing behind by two goals in the first quarter but, ended up beating the Kingdom Queens 47-38. It was a tightly contested second quarter that ended twenty all and Aloes coach- Sameshia Esau made two changes in both her attack and defense which switched up the tempo of the game and saw them lead by five goals in the third quarter. The Aloes dominated in the goal thirds which yielded dividends at the end.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Diamonds and the Eastern Cape Comets got ten intercepts apiece, but it was the Diamonds who emerged victorious following a last minute 47-45 win. The Diamonds won the first quarter 12-6 but the Comets bounced back claiming a victory in the second and third quarter. Comets Goal Attack- Asekho Njeza sustained an injury earlier on in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Xolisani Mantanga. The Diamonds succeeded in converting crucial turnovers in the final five minutes of the game which earned them a win by two goals.
Division one match between the Flames and the Kingdom Stars wrapped up the day. The Stars picked up their second win in the competition after beating the Flames 44-30. The Stars defense which includes Jeante Strydom on Goal Defense, Goalkeeper- Danelle Van Der Linde and Precious Mthembu on Wing Defense, dominated play territorially at the back and the Flames shooters struggled to take ownership in their shooting circle. The Flames woes continue as they are yet to win a game, having lost all five of their matches so far.
Fixtures for 12 September 2021
08:00 Baobabs vs Aloes
10:00 Stings vs Crinums
12:00 Diamonds vs Tornados
14:00 Fireballs vs Stars
16:00 Comets vs Sunbirds
18:00 Jaguars vs Flames
