Earlier in the day, the Diamonds lost to the invitational Malawi U-21 team, adding to the pressure. But they showed grit and tenacity against the team from the Free State to hold a narrow 26-24 lead at halftime. With only 15 minutes to go, it was game on at 37-36.

The Diamonds managed to pull ahead by four points in the closing minutes, despite a late opportunity for Sonoblomo following a handling error.

Botswana international Keletso Gontho (GD) was named Player of the Match for her crucial defensive performance.

After seven rounds, the Diamonds are in third spot on the log with eight points. Log leaders, the Tornadoes, have 12 points and a game in hand.

In Division 1, the Free State Crinums continued to dominate the competition with a strong 60-38 win over the North West Flames. The Crinums led 29-18 at half-time and were ahead by 43-27 going into the final quarter.

This is the Crinums’ fifth consecutive win, putting them on top of the log in Division 1 with 12 points. The Jaguars are in second place with 8 points.

Today’s matches  

Division 2:

11:00 – Comets (EC) vs Kingdom Queens (KZN)

13:00 – Tornados (WC) vs Sonoblomo (FS)

17:00 – Tshukudu (NW) vs Baobabs (Limpopo)

Division 1:

15:00 – Aloes (EC) vs Kingdom Stars (KZN)

19:00 – Flames (NW) vs Southern Stings (WC)

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg