MBABANE – Green Lightning’s women came within a goal of upsetting the defending champions, but exited the Find the Ball Netball Tournament in heartbreaking fashion.
The Lightning ladies bowed out of the competition after a dramatic 51-50 defeat to the defending champions Jwaneng Netball Club at the University of Botswana on July 19.
The Eswatini side delivered one of their finest displays of the competition, matching the title holders throughout a fiercely-contested encounter that was only decided in the closing moments.
Lightning took to the court with confidence, combining quick attacking play, disciplined defending and accurate shooting to keep pace with the defending champions across all four quarters.
Neither side managed to establish a decisive advantage as the lead changed hands several times. Every interception, turnover and successful shot intensified the contest, with both teams displaying composure under pressure.
The Eswatini outfit drew level at 50-50 heading into the final minute, reaching within touching distance of a memorable victory over the tournament favourites.
However, the defending champions relied on their experience when it mattered most. They retained possession before creating space inside the shooting circle and converting the decisive goal to seal a 51-50 victory, ending Lightning’s campaign.
Meanwhile, the Green Lightning men continued their impressive run by defeating Notwane 71-35 to secure a place in the semi-finals. They then booked a place in the final after overpowering defending champions Botswana Defence Force (BDF) on July 20.
They were scheduled to face Police in the final later on the day, with the match yet to begin at the time of compiling this report. The tournament winners are set to receive about E60 000 in prize money.
