The Free State Crinums returned to the top of the Telkom Netball League tree, avenging last season’s final defeat to the Gauteng Golden Fireballs with a 46-32 victory in the Division 1 final at Rembrandt Hall at the University of Pretoria on Monday evening.
The unbeaten Free State side were pushed hard by the defending champions during a fiercely contested opening half before pulling away to take a 25-20 lead into the half-time break.
Returning goal attack Owethu Ngubane made an immediate impact for the Fireballs, while Tarle Mathe continued to thrive in her new role of wing defence as the Joburg outfit unsettled and harried he Crinums. Yet, it was the defensive grit that has underpinned the Crinums’ march to the decider that once again proved decisive.
Veteran Karla Pretorius was the glue holding the defensive unit together as the Crinums won the key rebound battle and repeatedly disrupted the Fireballs’ attacking rhythm.
Goal shooter Bianca Lubbe kept the scoreboard ticking over, helping offset a quieter evening from goal attack Xandri Fourie.
Matha Mosoahle-Samm’s Crinums continued to tighten their grip on the final at the start of a low-scoring third quarter, stretching their advantage to 10 points at 33-23 and leaving the Fireballs with a mountain to climb.
There would be no repeat of last season’s heartbreak for the Free State side, who controlled the tempo throughout the closing stages on their way to a convincing 46-32 victory and a return to the top of South African netball.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom Stars retained their Division 1 status for next season after defeating Division 2 champions the Tornadoes 42-38 in the promotion-relegation play-off.
