DURBAN Girls’ College held their nerve in a thrilling finale to successfully defend their title at the Durban Central Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge on Saturday.

College edged out Durban Girls’ High School by 8-7 in a nail-biting final played at Girls’ College, with the result going down to the final whistle.

Girls’ High, who have featured in the last three Durban Central Regional finals and finished runners-up each time, pushed the defending champions all the way.

Battling against north-easterly winds, it took more than four minutes for the first goal to be scored, with Girls’ High breaking the deadlock from a penalty under the net. College responded 30 seconds later to level the scores.

Girls’ High, led by captain Tyra Norris, went into the halftime break with a 4-2 lead. College returned from the interval with renewed urgency and quickly levelled the scores at 4-4, with Ndondo Ntombela playing a key role in the middle.

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Two successive one-point goals gave College the advantage midway through the second half. Girls’ High fought back to within a goal, but College responded to restore their two-point advantage.

The final minute produced further drama as Girls’ High reduced the deficit to 8-7 and threw everything forward in search of an equaliser.

Alwande Ntsele was handed a last-gasp opportunity, but after pausing to judge the gusting wind, her shot came after the final whistle and was disallowed.

The victory gave College their fourth SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s title, following previous regional triumphs in 2022, 2023 and 2025.

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College topped their pool before defeating St Henry’s Marist College 12-6 in the semi-final. Girls’ High beat newcomers Madlenkosi High School 8-4 in the other semi-final.

The Highway Regional is next, with Hillcrest High School hosting teams hoping to dethrone the reigning champions.

Results:

Final

Durban Girls’ College 8 vs Durban Girls’ High School 7

Semi-finals

Durban Girls’ College 12 vs St Henry’s Marist College 6

Durban Girls’ High School 8 vs Madlenkosi High School 4

Pool A

1 Durban Girls’ College 15pts; 2 Madlenkosi High School 12pts; 3 Phambiti High School 7pts; 4 Igagasi High School 7pts; 5 Port Natal School  / Skool 3pts; 6 Werda Skool / School Seconds 0pts

Pool B

11 Durban Girls’ High School 15pts; 2 St Henry’s Marist College 12pts; 3 Durban Girls’ College Invitational 9pts; 4 Werda Skool / School First 6pts; 5 Ridge Park College 3pts; 6 Mowat Park High School 0pts

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