The group-stage action of the 2024 Telkom Netball League is all but complete in spectacular fashion with an upset win in the penultimate fixture between tourmament giants the Free State Cricnums and their hosts the Gauteng Jaguars, at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg, on Saturday, 15 June, 2024.
That electric result had spectators rivited to a display of top-notch netball as the group stage action concluded for five Division A teams, with just Sunday’s Baobabs vs Aloes scheduled among a four fixtures to conclude Division B’s ties before 2024 TNL’s knockout fixtures follow on Monday.
In the highly contested match between the Gauteng Jaguars and the Free State Crinums, both teams displayed exceptional defensive skills with standout performances from players like Jamie van Wyk, Zanele Vimbela, Karla Pretorius, and Ane Ratief.
Errors in offensive play affected both teams in the high-pressue tie, and both teams struggled to find their rhythm and the flow of the ball.
The Crinums had difficulties holding onto the ball, contributing to their loss, while the Jaguars faced pressure that led to uncertain passes into the circle in a close result that feature fewer goals than these attacking combinations are accustomed to.
The thrilling matchup between the Golden Fireballs and the Southern Stings kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Fireballs didn’t start well, while the Stings struggled to close out the game.
The third quarter saw a dramatic turnaround as the Fireballs outscored the Stings 18-7, sparking a surge of momentum that forced the Stings to make adjustments. Despite their efforts, the Stings could not regain control, consequently, the Fireballs solidified their lead.
Monique Meyer’s exceptional leadership and defensive prowess, including her ability to apply pressure on the feeders, played a crucial role in the Fireballs’ 49-57 victory.
The anticipation is building as we now have the top four finishers in the A Division. All eyes will be on Monday’s matches, where the Jaguars will go head-to-head with the Stings, and the Fireballs will battle it out with the Crinums.
Earlier in the day, there was a thrilling KZN derby match between the KD Queens and KD Stars. The Queens had won the previous encounter by a two-goal lead of 49-47. However, this time, coach Precious Mthembu ensured that the Stars clinched a win with a two-goal margin of 38-40.
The Stars executed an excellent game plan, and Nozipho Ntshangase was outstanding throughout the match.
The crucial question is: Who will secure a spot in the Division B semis and who will compete in the promotion/relegation playoffs? Catch all the action live from The Ellis Park Arena starting at 10 am.
Day 19 Results at the Telkom Netball League at Ellis Park Arena in the City of Johannesburg on Saturday, 15 June, 2024
Lilies 43 – 50 SunbirdsSonoblomo 49 – 52 TornadosDiamonds 53 – 46 TshukuduKD Queens 38 – 40 KD StarsJaguars 39 – 37 CrinumsStings 49 – 57 Fireballs
Day 20 Fixtures of the Telkom Netball League at Ellis Park Arena in the City of Johannesburg on Sunday, 16 June, 2024
10:00 Sunbirds vs Tshukudu12:00 EC Comets vs Lilies14:00 KD Stars vs Diamonds16:00 KD Queens vs Tornados18:00 Baobabts vs Aloes
Day 1 Results on Friday, 26 April, 2024
Kingdom Stars 53 – 42 TshukuduKingdom Queens 32 – 37 SunbirdsTornados 46 – 34 LiliesJaguars 53 – 40 BaobabsComets 43 – 35 DiamondsFireballs 42 – 39 Flames
Day 2 Results on Saturday, 27 April, 2024
Sunbirds 14 – 7 SonoblomoTshukudu 45 – 41LilliesFlames 43 – 48 StingsJaguars 68 – 37 AloesTornados 37 – 41 KD StarsCrinums 64 – 35 Baobabs
Day 3 Results on Sunday, 28 April, 2024
KD Queens 39 – 48 EC CometsSunbirds 47 – 45 DiamondsStings 47 – 49 FireballsBaobabs 50 – 62 AloesJaguars 48 – 48 Crinums
Day 4 Results on Monday, 29 April, 2024
KD Queens 40 – 32 DiamondsEC Comets 41 – 47 KD StarsSonoblomo 48 – 44 TshukuduLilies 21 – 49 SunbirdsFireballs 33 – 44 CrinumsStings 48 – 53 Jaguars
Day 5 Results on Tuesday, 30 April, 2024
Tornadoes 40 – 42 EC CometsDiamonds 47 – 38 LiliesSonoblomo 52 – 43 KD QueensBaobabs 31 – 70 FireballsKD Stars 42 – 33 SunbirdsFlames 33 – 48 Crinums
Day 6 Results on Wednesday, 1 May, 2024
Sonoblomo 42 – 60 KD StarsDiamonds 42 – 51 TornadoesKD Queens 50 – 49 TshukuduBaobabs 36 – 44 FlamesLilies 34 – 44 EC CometsAloes 35 – 61 Stings
Day 7 Results on Thursday, 2 May, 2024
Lilies 42 – 59 SonoblomoSunbirds 45 – 44 TshukuduAloes 41 – 58 FireballsTornados 60 – 45 KD QueensCrinums 44 – 37 StingsFlames 40 – 60 Jaguars
Day 8 Results on Friday, 3 May, 2024
EC Comets 53 – 40 SunbirdsSonoblomo 52 – 48 TornadosKD Stars 52 – 26 LiliesStings 60 – 34 BaobabsAloes 46 – 51 FlamesTshukudu 56 – 45 Diamonds
Day 9 Results on Saturday, 4 May 2024
Diamonds 47 – 57 SonoblomoTshukudu 35 – 49 EC CometsKD Stars 47 – 49 KD QueensCrinums 57 – 39 AloesSunbirds 41 – 52 TornadosFireballs 53 – 48 Jaguars
Day 10 Results on Sunday, 5 May 2024 (End of Power Week 1)
08:00 Lilies 44 – 49 KD Queens10:00 EC Comets 51 – 43 Sonoblomo12:00 Diamonds 36 – 55 KD Stars14:00 Tshukudu 46 – 62 Tornados
Day 11 Results on Friday, 31 June, 2024 (Power Week 2 Begins)
EC Comets 48 – 44 KD StarsJaguars 78 – 44 BaobabsTornados 56 – 35 LiliesCrinums 53 – 43 AloesFireballs 58 – 43 Flames
Day 12 Results on Saturday, 1 June, 2024
Diamonds 47 – 51 CometsSonoblomo 41 – 42 SunbirdsFlames 52 – 54 AloesKD Queens 39 – 45 TshukuduFireballs 51 – 53 JaguarsCrinums 51 – 43 Stings
Day 13 Results on Sunday, 2 June, 2024
Sonoblomo 40 – 38 LiliesEC Comets 47 – 33 KD QueensTshukudu 49 – 50 KD StarsSunbirds 54 – 48 DiamondsStings 74 – 36 BaobabsAloes 41 – 59 Jaguars
Day 14 Results on Monday, 3 June, 2024
KD Queens 54 – 47 DiamondsSunbirds 46 – 51 CometsTshukudu 57 – 38 SonoblomoKD Stars 41 – 37 TornadosStings 46 – 38 FlamesBaobabs 25 – 65 Crinums
Day 15 Results on Tuesday, 4 June, 2024
Lilies 28 – 47 KD StarsTornados 50 – 41 TshukuduSonoblomo 38 – 40 CometsJaguars 59 – 41 FlamesAloes 41 – 65 Fireballs
Day 16 Results on Wednesday, 5 June, 2024 (End of Power Week 2)
Tornados 50 – 40 DiamondsTshukudu 49 – 43 LiliesKD Stars 53 – 43 SonoblomoAloes 49 – 60 StingsKD Queens 43 – 58 SunbirdsBaobabs 43 – 52 Flames
Day 17 Results on Thursday, 13 June, 2024 (Power Week 3 Begins)
Sonoblomo 54 – 35 KD QueensLilies 53 – 58 DiamondsComets 52 – 39 TornadosKD Stars 54 – 31 SunbirdsStings 46 – 66 JaguarsFireballs 49 – 47 Crinums
Day 18 Results on Friday, 14 June, 2024
KD Queens 42-42 LiliesTshukudu 44-45 CometsDiamonds 47-53 SonoblomoSunbirds 40-62 TornadosCrinums 54-33 FlamesBaobabs 31-72 Fireballs
Original Copy: Netball SA, with editing by gsport
Photo Caption: The group-stage action of the 2024 Telkom Netball League is all but complete in spectacular fashion with an upset win in the penultimate fixture between tournament giants the Free State Crinums and their hosts the Gauteng Jaguars, at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg, on Saturday, 15 June, 2024. All Photos: Netball South Africa
