It was a case of third time lucky for the Golden Fireballs as they pulled off a dramatic 47-40 victory over the Free State Crinums in the Telkom Netball League final at the Durban ICC on Sunday afternoon.
The unbeaten Fireballs started the brighter from the centre pass, but the Crinums responded swiftly. Centre Refiloe Nketsa began to dictate proceedings from midcourt, her pinpoint feeds troubling the Fireballs’ defence.
Goal attack Owethu “Sammy” initially struggled to impose herself on the contest for Dr Elsje Jordaan’s team but grew into the game with time.
Coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm’s Crinums intensified their defence and opened up a five-goal cushion (11-6) with just over three minutes remaining in the first quarter. However, the Fireballs roared back with a super shot from Ngubane and some clinical finishing from goal shooter Nonsikelelo Mazibuko, reducing the deficit to two goals by the break in play (13-11).
In a fiercely contested second quarter, the Gauteng side tightened their defence as the match see-sawed. Nketsa was sin-binned for a heavy challenge on Fireballs goal defence Cornelia Mupenda in the dying seconds of the half. The teams were deadlocked at 23-23 going into the break.
With the crowd matching the on-court intensity, the Fireballs capitalised on their numerical advantage after half-time with quick transitions that saw them edge ahead 27-24.
Despite trailing 34-30 at one stage, the Crinums refused to wilt. But the Fireballs maintained control and led by seven goals with under 10 minutes to go — a gap they would not relinquish.
Their composure in the final stretch sealed a historic maiden Telkom Netball League title for the Gauteng side, crowning a flawless campaign.
