The final day of Power Week 2 featured four matches, wrapping up ten action-packed days of netball at the Ellis Park Indoor Arena.
The clash between the Queens and Lilies lived up to expectations from the opening whistle. Both teams brought relentless defensive intensity and capitalised on turnovers, resulting in a tightly contested first quarter. While the Lilies appeared slightly more settled on defence, a handful of costly mistakes allowed the Queens to remain in contention as the teams ended the opening period level at 9-9.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with both sides working to reduce errors and gain control of possession. The Lilies relied on short, patient passing sequences to enter the shooting circle, while the Queens looked to speed up their attacking play.
An important intercept by Wing Defence Ashleigh Gray in the goal third helped the Lilies establish a three-goal advantage midway through the quarter. However, a missed opportunity under the post by Goal Shooter Josephine Mamabolo opened the door for the Queens to close the gap before levelling from their centre pass.
Another infringement against Queens Wing Attack Katelyn van der Westhuizen presented the Lilies with an opportunity to rebuild their lead, but Queens Goal Shooter Aphiwe Thusini kept her side in touch with a crucial one-point conversion during the super shot period as the Lilies carried a narrow 19-17 lead into halftime.
The Queens returned from the break with renewed energy, drawing level early in the third quarter before taking the lead after Gray was penalised for footwork. The Lilies were then forced into a defensive reshuffle after Goal Defence Nolwazi Mathe suffered an injury, with Julia Sekwakwa introduced and Amukelani Kubayi moving to Goalkeeper.
Despite the disruption, Sekwakwa and Kubayi applied constant pressure in the Queens’ shooting circle, challenging Thusini, who continued to shoulder much of the scoring responsibility. The Queens managed to stretch their lead to three goals, but a valuable two-pointer from Lilies Goal Attack Kgaugelo Ramafalo reduced the deficit, leaving the Lilies trailing by just one goal heading into the final quarter.
The decisive period delivered late drama as the Lilies drew level at 31-31 five minutes into the quarter after capitalising on an intercept. What followed was a tense battle of conversions, with both teams slowing the tempo and making full use of their centre passes.