Jaguars too hot to handle for Flames in league final

THE Jaguars beat the North West Flames 49-43 in a thrilling final of the Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League (BFNPL) at the Mangaung Indoor Stadium at the weekend.

And things finally came together for the Jaguars after finishing runners-up three times in a row.

It was a ding-dong battle, with play moving from end to end.

The Jaguars took the early lead, but in the second quarter, the Flames caught up with them before edging past.

They had a three-goal lead, before the Jaguars struck back and drew level on 14-all.

The Jaguars took the lead again, and stayed there, although the Flames fought hard.

The Flames’ goal attack, Renske Stoltz, who was adjudged the shooter of the tournament, was calm under pressure and scored her goals from almost anywhere in the court, but her efforts were in vain.

The Jaguars’ Izette Griesel, who played at centre and also at wing attack at one stage, was player of the match.

She did a superb job of driving the ball into the circle, where former Protea goalshooter Chrisna van Zyl used her experience to good effect.

Jaguars coach Jenny van Dyk said her players amazed her.

“They don’t know how good they are and how good they can be,” she said. “Three times a bridesmaid, and now we are officially the bride.”

Jaguars captain Shadine van der Merwe, who played in all four finals, said she had been determined not to leave the court without a win.

Flames coach Dorette Badenhorst said she was disappointed, but very proud of her team.

“At the start of the tournament, no one thought we would be in the final,” she said.

“Nothing went wrong in this match – they [Jaguars] were just the better team.”