The Free State Crinums’ progression to this year’s Telkom Netball League (TNL) semifinals has heightened their existing rivalry with the Gauteng-based Golden Fireball and Jaguars.
Both the Crinums and Fireballs secured their semifinal slots in division A. The gutsy Free State girls disposed of the Jaguars in a 55 – 44 victory, while the Fire Balls beat the North West Flames 62 – 45. These tough matches were played on Wednesday, 16 July.
The semifinals take place on Friday, 18 July, with the final fixture on Sunday, 20 July, culminating in the crowing of the champions in the Durban International Convention Centre.
The contest for the two remaining slots in the semifinals is left to the Jaguars, the Western Cape’s Southern String in fourth place, and the Flames in fifth. The Jaguars, six-time league winner and last year’s runner-up, are pressured to qualify for the semifinals given their impressive record in the competition.
With the stakes so high, the teams are unleashing their strategic plots. The reigning champions, the Crinums, are plotting the route to the final berth to successfully defend the title they won after defeating the Jaquars 47 – 46 in last year’s final. By reaching the semifinals, the Free State Crinums have intensified their quest for their fifth TNL title. In addition, this has improved the prospect of their ambitious head coach, Martha Mosoahle-Samm, in hopes of securing her second title in succession with the team.
The semifinal is just another litmus test for the Crinums in their ambitious quest for cup glory. Their hard-fought 55 – 44 victory over the Jaguars was crucial in inspiring them in their mission to clinch South Africa’s premier netball championship. The Crinums wrapped up the round-robin event today – at 12:00, with an emphatic 66-46 win over the Limpopo Baobabs, paving their way for the semifinals – the last hurdle to cup glory.
You must be logged in to post a comment.