In a rematch of last year’s final, the defending champions survived a late Kovsies fightback to spoil what would have been a memorable farewell for long-serving UFS coach Burta de Kock in front of the home crowd.

CUT also produced one of the day’s biggest stories, overturning a half-time deficit to beat the Madibaz 41-36 and register their first-ever win in the competition.

Bianca Lubbe. Photo: Morgan Piek

Earlier, UJ maintained their unbeaten record by beating Wits 58-50 in the Johannesburg derby, while UP-Tuks powered past Maties 66-40 to make it back-to-back victories.

The NWU Eagles once again showed why they are the defending champions, holding off a spirited UFS Kovsies comeback to claim a tense 50-48 victory.

With memories of last season’s final still fresh, there was little separating the two sides throughout a contest that ebbed and flowed from the opening whistle.

Mari du Raan. Photo: Morgan Piek

NWU made the better start and led 13-11 after the first quarter, although an early power-play gamble failed to produce the expected reward. Instead, the Kovsies used the opportunity to close the gap and keep themselves firmly in the contest.

The pattern continued in the second quarter, with neither team able to create meaningful breathing room. The Eagles managed to take a slender 24-23 advantage into half-time.

The intensity rose considerably after the break. The contest became increasingly physical as both sides fought for every possession, and UFS eventually drew level at 37-37 heading into the final quarter.

Amori Matthee. Photo: Morgan Piek

NWU appeared to have taken control when they surged five goals clear in the final 15 minutes, but the Kovsies refused to surrender. The home side launched a determined late comeback and put the champions under serious pressure.

Ultimately, the Eagles had just enough composure to close out the match and leave Bloemfontein with a two-goal victory.

CUT created a piece of Varsity Netball history by securing their first victory in the competition, fighting back from six goals down at half-time to defeat the Madibaz 41-36.

Karla Victor. Photo: Morgan Piek

Both teams arrived desperate for their breakthrough win, and that desperation was evident in a cagey but energetic opening quarter that ended 7-7.

The Madibaz gradually gained the upper hand in the second period. CUT struggled to turn their opportunities into points and were punished for a handful of costly errors as the Eastern Cape side moved into a 21-15 half-time lead.

The response from CUT after the break was impressive.

Tshegofatso Makoko. Photo: Morgan Piek

They lifted their intensity, worked the ball with greater purpose and began chipping away at the deficit. By the end of the third quarter, the gap had been reduced to just two goals at 27-25.

That set up a fascinating final quarter, and CUT delivered when it mattered most.

They capitalised on successive power plays to turn the contest on its head, with their confidence growing as the Madibaz came under increasing pressure. CUT eventually completed the comeback to seal a historic five-goal win.

UJ continued their unbeaten run by winning the Johannesburg derby against Wits 58-50.

Zeluleko Ntombela. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Orange Army were forced to work for their victory, with Wits refusing to allow their city rivals to dictate the contest.

UJ led 14-11 after the opening quarter and briefly appeared to be building momentum, but the Witsies repeatedly threatened to draw level during the second period.

UJ’s composure under pressure proved crucial, allowing them to reach half-time with a 27-23 advantage.

The Orange Army remained in front through the third quarter, taking a 43-38 lead into the final period.

Sesandile Ngubane. Photo: Morgan Piek

Wits continued to scrap for an opening, but UJ were clinical when opportunities presented themselves. Their shooting attack once again proved decisive, with Kadijat Abubakar producing an influential performance in the circle as UJ wrapped up another important victory.

UP-Tuks rounded off a strong day with a convincing 66-40 victory over Maties to make it successive wins in Bloemfontein.

The three-time champions established an early advantage, although Maties remained within touching distance during the opening stages. Tuks led 12-8 after the first quarter.

Hannah Kriel. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Pretoria side then shifted through the gears in the second period. Their movement and ball speed created problems for the Maties defence, while they made excellent use of the power play to pull away.

By half-time, Tuks had built a commanding 32-15 lead.

There was no way back for Maties after the break as the visitors continued to control proceedings and extended their advantage to 46-26 by the end of the third quarter.

Tuks maintained their authority in the final period and used their second power play effectively to put the finishing touches to a comprehensive 66-40 win.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs