The local Pretoria franchise, the Jaguars, sent a strong message that they will be the team to beat in the inaugural Brutal Fruit Netball Cup after picking up maximum points from their first four matches. This professional netball tournament with 12 regional professional franchises taking part – a first for South Africa – takes place at the Rembrandt Hall on the Tuks sports campus on every weekend until the final will be played on June 8. The local side ended the first round unbeaten and was securely perched at the top of the first division log with eight points from their four matches. The Free State Crinums were in second position, with six points. The Golden Fireballs from Gauteng won two of their four matches and have four points, while the North West Flames have two points. The Eastern Cape Aloes have not yet won a match. There were several thrilling matches over the second weekend of the tournament. The Crinums came back from a seven-goal deficit to beat the Aloes, and the Jaguars made short work of the Fireballs in their derby match. What was billed as the match of the weekend, between the Jaguars and the Crinums, turned into something of a parade for the Jaguars, who beat the Crinums 45-28. Jaguars coach Jenny van Dyk said there was no danger of her chargers becoming complacent. “We didn’t expect to beat the Crinums by such a big margin, but we know that there are many areas where we can improve. I think we are just beginning, and we know that we are going to have to fight hard if we are to win this fantastic competition.” But the match that set the tournament alight and had the spectators on their feet was the last match of the weekend, between the Fireballs and the Flames. The Fireballs, who had looked a bit disjointed in their earlier matches, came back with a bang. They made some positional changes, with Erin Burger moving from centre to goal attack. They played with more energy and dynamism, and appeared to have the match wrapped up. But in the final quarter, the Flames stormed back and came within one goal of beating the Fireballs. The final whistle went as the ball bobbled on the net, and fell to the ground. It was heartbreak for the Flames, as it was the third time they had lost by one goal. The Eastern Cape Aloes, will hope to have a better second round after failing to pick up points in their opening four fixtures. In the second division, the Southern Stings remained unbeaten. If they continue the way they have started, they will play the bottom side in the first division in a promotion/relegation match. KwaZulu-Natal’s Kingdom Stars find themselves in second and the Northern Cape Diamonds in third having won three and two games respectively. The Limpopo Baobabs and Mpumalanga Sunbirds occupy the bottom two positions. Head coach of the Spar Proteas, Elize Kotze, said she was very happy with the competition so far. “I’m excited that most of my Proteas are showing what they are made of, and I am also very excited that some of the younger players are challenging for positions. This competition is doing wonders for netball,” she said.