Sunbirds stop Tornados in their tracks at the Telkom Netball League
The Mpumalanga Sunbirds won two from their three matches played last weekend, in the third round of the league. They will be in action again from June 15 to 18.
The Mpumalanga Sunbirds are keeping their heads high in the Telkom Netball League.
They ended their third weekend of the tournament on June 11 on a high note when they handed the log leaders of division 2, the Tornados from the Western Cape, their first defeat of the tournament.
After the full 60 minutes, the Sunbirds secured a magnificent two-goal victory, setting the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria on fire!
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The battle started off all systems go, with both teams working hard to retain their centre passes and turn ball. The Mpumalanga outfit were on the back foot at the end of the first half, but only just, trailing with a slender one goal behind the Tornados.
But it was in the second half when they put their foot on the accelerator. The Sunbirds could not be stopped in the third quarter, with pressure mounting in the Tornados’ shooting circle, curtesy of the defensive efforts from the side’s defensive duo in Palesa Mbukwana and Maryke Coetzee.
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The third quarter, known in netball circles as the championship quarter, saw the Sunbirds put on a dominant performance to clench the lead. They won it 14-10.
The physicality of the game intensified in the last quarter, with players putting their bodies on the line. Both teams fought hard for every ball and turnover, however, in the end, the Sunbirds found more depth in their second phase and the defence had a field day turning balls and shutting down any glimmer of hope for a comeback from the Tornados.
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The final score of the match was 42-40.
In their other matches of round 3, the Sunbirds faced the Limpopo Baobabs on June 9 and Free State Sonoblomo on June 10. They fell short against the Boabobs (33-61), who have moved into the first log position in division 2 above the Tornados.
They returned to winning ways against the Sonoblomo, with 50 goals to 46.
The Sunbirds will be in action again from June 15 to 18:
• Baobabs vs Sunbirds – June 16, 12:00
• Kingdom Queens vs Sunbirds – June 17, 12:00
• Sunbirds vs Limpopo Lillies – June 18, 12:00
All of their matches will be broadcast on SuperSport Variety 4.
