UJ beat defending champs NWU while Kovsies survive Wits scare in Varsity Netball round 3

Two-time finalists UJ handed defending champions NWU Eagles their first defeat of Varsity Netball 2026 in round 3 at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein. UFS Kovsies made it three out of three with a hard-fought victory over Wits. UP-Tuks had too much firepower for newcomers CUT while closed out the day’s play with a resounding victory over Madibaz.

UFS KOVSIES 50 – 42 WITS 

Five-time champions UFS Kovsies claimed their third straight win by beating a determined Wits 50-42 to get Bumper Weekend 2 off to an emphatic start.

The first game at the Callie Human Hall started at a frenetic pace with nothing separating the two teams. Initially, it was the home team in firm control of the opening exchanges, but one or two missed attempts in the goal circle allowed Witsies to sneak back into the contest. The score was level at 13-13 after the first 15 minutes.

In the second quarter, the team from Johannesburg snuck into the lead by being a lot more clinical on attack. Kovsies had their moments, but there were too many mistakes and missed chances on goal. This allowed their opponents to take a two-goal lead (25-23) at half-time.

Kovsies regrouped during the break and changed gears in the third quarter to take a solid lead. A couple of clever substitutions bore immediate fruit, with the home team upping the intensity and the pace of the game. Far fewer mistakes resulted in a 38-35 lead going into the final 15 minutes of the clash.

In the fourth and final quarter, Kovsies were simply ruthless as they totally outclassed the visitors from Johannesburg, with bringing on the right players at the right time making a massive impact. This resulted in a hard-fought 50-42 victory.

Watch highlights HERE.

Quarter scores: 13-13|23-25|38-33|50-42

Player of the match: Charné van Vuuren (UFS Kovsies)

UFS Kovsies: Liame de Lange, Mari Duraan, Megan Erasmus, Keevy-Ann Fourie, Elri Groenewald, Reratilwe Ke-Morena Letsoalo, Marianne Louw, Bianca Lubbe, Thandolwethu Mokoena, Siyamthanda Sambo, Charné van Vuuren, Janie Visser. 

Wits: Alix Horn, Ametisse Bakenga Bandu, Amy Horn, Bophelo Mofokeng, Giada Prinsloo, Keira Pienaar, Kekeletso Molotsi, Mignon Mentz, Oratile Mokone, Philasande Ntuli, Shiàne Fouché, Zanele Soviya.

NWU EAGLES 43 – 60 UJ

UJ handed NWU Eagles their first defeat of this year’s tournament, cruising to a clinical 60-43 victory.

The clash between the defending champions and a well-drilled Orange Army was always expected to be a cracker, and the opening 15 minutes certainly lived up to the billing. It was high-tempo, end-to-end netball, with plenty of physicality thrown into the mix. UJ held a narrow 12-11 lead at the first break.

In the second quarter, the Oranje Army turned up the heat and played with real attacking intent. At one stage, they opened up a ten-goal advantage, barely putting a foot wrong at either end of the court. While the Eagles were not prepared to simply surrender their title defence, UJ went into the half-time break 29-23 ahead.

Two-time finalists UJ then took complete control during the third quarter, steadily building a healthy advantage. Goal shooter Kadijat Abubakar was outstanding for the Johannesburg outfit, combining superb accuracy with the composure needed to keep the scoreboard ticking over, giving them a healthy 43-30 lead at the break.

With the result seemingly in the bag, UJ played with even greater freedom in the final 15 minutes. They remained composed, kept the pressure on and comfortably saw out a convincing 60-43 win.

Watch highlights HERE.

Quarter scores: 11-12|23-29|30-43|43-60

Player of the match: Alexandra Meimaris (UJ)

NWU Eagles: Christi-Marie Coetzee, Reze Coetzer, Njabulo Hlophe, Andrya Joubert, Lethabo Komane, Rayvoné Leander, Jaime Matfield, Amori Matthee, Amia Roux, Sunel Smith, Liané van Lochem, Vivian Venancio.

UJ: Alexandra Meimaris, Amara Agbai, Boitumelo Mahloko, Cornelia Mupenda, Kadijat Abubakar, Jaymee Joubert, Shiloh Berardelli, Sesandile Ngubane, Kamogelo Motsepe, Georgia Leppan, Tarle Mathe, Suné Barnard.

UP-TUKS 59 – 45 CUT

UP-Tuks claimed their first win of Varsity Netball 2026 by beating a fiery and determined CUT 59-45.

The first quarter belonged to the three-time champions from Pretoria, but there is no doubt that the newcomers won the fans’ favourite contest. They seemed to thrive on the vocal “home” support and at times had Tuks under pressure, especially when rising Proteas star Karla Victor controlled things in centre court for extended periods. The scoreboard read 16-11.

The experience of Tuks started coming to the fore the closer the two teams got to half-time. Despite the growing gap, CUT seemed to thrive. Each time the Bloemfontein ladies touched the ball or scored a goal, it sent the crowd into overdrive. The Stripe Generation, however, did enough to hold a seven-goal lead of 29-22 at half-time.

In the third quarter, Tuks simply took the game away from CUT, punishing the mistakes their opponents made. While neither side was able to score in the power play, Tuks managed to sink 18 goals to extend the score to 47-30.

The final 15 minutes belonged to CUT as they managed to charge themselves up, scoring 15 goals in the process. Tuks eventually walked away with a 59-45 victory, but the newcomers are poised to score an upset before the season is over.

Watch highlights HERE.

Quarter scores: 16-11|29-22|47-30|59-45

Player of the match: Keletso Gontho (CUT)

UP-Tuks: Anke van Rensburg, Jade Atkins, Kayla Venancio, Kimberly Amiras, Kristi Koekemoer, Kyla Dames, Lente Kroukamp, Luca Keun, Nonkcubeko Mjaliswa, Skyla Eley, Phophi Nematangari, Kamogelo Maseko.

CUT: Zandria Bastone, Tshepiso Choeu, Demi-Leigh de Jager, Keletso Gontho, Thandeka Ronica Lefuma, Thandolwethu Madime, Tshegofatso Makoko, Zeluleko Ntombela, Nena Radebe, Dimpho Faith Totola, Karla Victor, Sisabonga Xentsa.

MADIBAZ 33 – 58 MATIES

Maties returned to winning ways with a 58-33 victory over Madibaz to close out the first day of the second bumper weekend.

The Maroon Machine got off to a flying start in the City of Roses. They raced to a 5-0 lead before conceding their first goal. The solid foundation allowed them to control the game at 15-6 after the first 15 minutes.

While Maties maintained the lead going into half-time, their opponents made it much harder for them to score. Madibaz’s fightback was the confidence booster they needed going into the third quarter. The half-time score was 23-15 in favour of Maties.

In the third quarter, the intensity levels from both teams showed a definite drop, a sign that the fast-paced first half could have taken its toll. The power play did, however, spark some life back into the contest. With 15 minutes remaining, Maties were leading 39-24.

The Maroon Machine closed out the match strongly by raising the intensity somewhat. Sticking to the basics, despite being put under pressure, they managed to secure a comfortable 58-33 win in the end.

Watch highlights HERE.

Quarter scores: 6-15|15-23|24-39|33-58

Player of the match: Lize Rossouw (Maties)

Madibaz: Bronwyn Ann Goosen, Busisiwe Vayo, Edon Snyman, Hanniska van Vuuren, Inganathi Sapepa, Juanita van Tonder, Keagile Magadia, Leila Nel, Neviera Gunn, Ogiyonke Lilitha Mabani, Simone Louw, Yazi Dumbela.

Maties: Bianca Odendaal, Cara Els, Chris-Marie Marx, Hannah Kriel, Iselle Acker, Kristen McGregor, Lara Ehlers, Lisa Ingwersen, Lize Rossouw, Thabisa Yekani, Vinah Mokgatle, Zahrah Noah.