Both finalists had to survive dramatic semi-finals on Monday to book their places in the title decider, with NWU edging UP-Tuks in Pretoria before UJ needed extra time to overcome the University of the Free State Kovsies in a thrilling encounter in Bloemfontein.

The NWU showed the composure of defending champions when it mattered most, holding their nerve to beat Tuks 52-50 in a tense semi-final at Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria.

Sunel Smit - Catherine Kotze/ ASEM Engage

Tuks made the perfect start in front of their home crowd, racing into a six-goal advantage and putting the Eagles under early pressure.

The defending champions gradually settled into the contest, however, and began to claw their way back into the match. Their persistence was rewarded as they finished the opening quarter with a slender 13-12 advantage.

There was little to choose between the teams in the second quarter as the battle intensified. Tuks, known as the Stripe Generation, regained the lead, but NWU refused to let them pull away.

Kimberly Amiras - Catherine Kotze/ ASEM Engage

Goal shooters Sunel Smit and Skyla Eley were clinical under pressure as the two sides traded blows, with neither willing to give an inch. At half-time, the scores were locked at 23-all.

The Eagles appeared to gain the upper hand in the third quarter, making fewer errors and applying greater pressure. Neither side was able to make the most of the opening power play, with NWU managing just two goals during the period.

UP-Tuks, lifted by their home support, managed to sneak ahead 36-35 going into the final quarter.

Megan Erasmus - Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

With a place in the final on the line, the intensity went up another notch. The Stripe Generation extended their advantage by a single goal during the final power play, but the Eagles refused to buckle.

NWU kept their composure through the closing stages and produced the decisive plays to edge over the line 52-50, securing a second consecutive Varsity Netball final appearance.

NWU captain, Vivian Venancio was named Player of the Match for the Eagles.

Shiloh Berardelli - Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

In Bloemfontein, the UJ Orange Army produced a remarkable comeback to end the UFS Kovsies' title hopes after a semi-final that required extra time to separate the teams.

The visitors eventually prevailed 57-54 after the match finished 47-all following four absorbing quarters at the Callie Human Centre.

The Kovsies made the most of home-court advantage early on, although UJ came flying out of the blocks. The hosts weathered the initial storm and gradually found their rhythm, taking a narrow 10-9 lead after the opening quarter.

Mari du Raan - Hannes Naudé/ ASEM Engage

UJ turned the match around in the second quarter, showing greater precision in the shooting circle. The Kovsies created opportunities but could not consistently convert them, allowing the Orange Army to move into a 22-18 half-time lead.

The introduction of Mari du Raan gave the home side fresh impetus, but UJ continued to find ways to keep their noses in front.

The third quarter remained a tight tactical battle. The Kovsies were accurate when they found space in the circle, but UJ's ability to stay composed under pressure kept them ahead at 34-32 going into the final 15 minutes.

Tarle Mathe  - Hannes Naudé/ ASEM Engage

Then came the drama.

With the clock winding down, neither team could create enough separation. The Kovsies fought their way back, setting up a grandstand finish and forcing the scores level at 47-47 after regulation time.

Extra time brought another 14 minutes of high-pressure netball.

With the final spot on the line, UJ kept their composure and eventually created the crucial gap. The Orange Army held their nerve to claim a 57-54 victory and set up a final showdown with the defending champions.

Monday’s final at the Mahikeng Grand Hall is set to get underway at 19:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport