Simone Dry of the Stings is challenged by Nikkie Mandeya of Zambesi Eagles during their Telkom Netball League encounter at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg on Sunday. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
The race for Telkom Netball League glory is entering its decisive phase after the Division 1 and Division 2 semi-finalists were confirmed at the end of Power Week 2 at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg on Sunday.
The standout performers remain the Free State Crinums, who completed an unbeaten run through their opening 12 matches to finish top of the Division 1 standings on 24 points. Their latest statement came in a convincing 47-37 victory over defending champions the Golden Fireballs, in a repeat of last year's final.
The result ensured the Crinums will face the fourth-placed Jaguars in the semi-finals at the Durban ICC from June 12-15. The Jaguars booked their play-off spot despite a 56-45 defeat to the Southern Stings in a match that effectively served as a semi-final dress rehearsal.
The Stings' victory secured third place on 16 points and a semi-final showdown with the second-placed Fireballs, who also finished on 16 points but edged them on points difference.
While the Crinums have looked a class apart so far, the clash between the Fireballs and Stings promises to be a tightly contested affair after both teams showed enough quality during the opening two power weeks to suggest they are capable of mounting a title challenge.
In Division 2, the Tornados continued to underline their promotion credentials. Their 44-35 defeat by North West Tshukudu in the final match of Power Week 2 on Sunday was only their second in 16 matches, as they secured top spot and a semi-final against the Kingdom Queens.
The Queens snatched the final play-off berth in dramatic fashion. Their hard-fought 52-51 victory over the Comets on Saturday, coupled with a tense 37-36 win over the Lillies early on Sunday, secured their place in the last four.
The Limpopo Baobabs claimed second spot after edging the Mpumalanga Sunbirds 48-46 in one of the weekend's most entertaining contests. They will meet the third-placed Sonoblomo in the other semi-final.
The winner of the Division 2 final will face the bottom team in Division 1 – currently the Kingdom Stars – in the promotion/relegation play-off.
While the race for the Division 2 title appears wide open, the challenge facing the rest of Division 1 is clear: stop an unbeaten Crinums side that continue to look every bit the championship favourites.