NWU beat Tuks in one-goal thriller, Kovsies hold off Maties in Varsity Netball Round 2

Defending champions NWU Eagles had to dig deep to beat UP-Tuks by one goal on day two of the first bumper weekend of Varsity Netball 2026 at the Maties Coetzenburg Indoor Centre in Stellenbosch. UFS Kovsies were victorious over Maties while Wits beat Madibaz. UJ had too much firepower for newcomers CUT.

WITS 55-39 MADIBAZ

Wits made it two out of two in their second-round fixture against Madibaz in Stellenbosch.

The opening 15 minutes was a tightly contested affair, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm. Madibaz showed early intent but Wits’ experience and composure gave them the edge as the Johannesburg side took a 9-6 lead into the first break.

Madibaz came out fighting in the second quarter and began putting Wits under pressure. The Gqeberha-based side stayed within touching distance, ensuring the contest remained closely fought heading into half-time. Wits, however, managed to hold onto their advantage and went into the break leading 22-19.

The third quarter proved decisive. Wits increased the intensity and began dictating the pace of the game. They capitalised on their opportunities to open up an 11-goal advantage, leading 41-30 heading into the final 15 minutes.

Wits remained composed in the closing stages and completed another impressive performance, securing a 55-39 victory.

The result gives Wits two wins from two and a perfect start to their Varsity Netball 2026 campaign, while Madibaz leave Stellenbosch with plenty to consider after suffering two defeats over the opening weekend.

CUT 36-57 UJ

UJ maintained their unbeaten streak while newcomers CUT are still seeking their first victory in Varsity Netball.

The Free State side showed plenty of courage from the opening whistle, taking the game to their more experienced opponents and refusing to be intimidated. However, Bongiwe Msomi’s charges held their composure and edged ahead 11-9 at the end of the opening quarter.

The Orange Army then shifted through the gears in the second 15 minutes. Their experience began to show as they took advantage of their power play opportunities, creating valuable separation. The half-time score stretched to 31-17.

UJ continued to dominate after the break, finding their rhythm and taking greater control of the contest. CUT struggled to contain the Johannesburg side’s attacking pressure as the gap continued to grow. By the end of the third quarter, UJ had established a commanding 47-22 advantage.

CUT continued to battle until the final whistle but UJ’s experience and quality proved too much for the newcomers. UJ eventually secured a convincing 57-36 victory, making it two wins from two and maintaining their perfect start.

NWU EAGLES 60-59 UP-TUKS

In one of the weekend’s most anticipated clashes, defending champions NWU Eagles went head-to-head with UP-Tuks before prevailing by a single goal.

From the opening whistle, it was clear that neither side was prepared to take a backward step. The two high-flying teams traded attacking blows in a thrilling opening 15 minutes, with NWU managing to edge ahead 17-15.

The intensity only increased in the second quarter as both sides produced a high-quality display of skill, composure and tactical discipline. Neither team could establish a meaningful advantage, resulting in a tense battle that saw the scores level at 31-31 heading into half-time.

The third quarter continued in much the same fashion, with the lead changing hands and the scores remaining close for long periods. However, the Eagles made the most of their power play opportunity at a crucial stage, allowing some separation with a 47-40 advantage at the break.

The Striped Generation refused to surrender and produced a spirited fightback in the closing stages. The Pretoria side continued to apply pressure, keeping the defending champions on the edge until the final whistle.

But NWU held their nerve when it mattered most, surviving a late Tuks charge to secure a thrilling 60-59 victory.

It was a genuine heavyweight contest from start to finish, with both sides showcasing the quality and intensity expected from two of the tournament’s leading contenders.

UFS KOVSIES 49-43 MATIES

It was the home side Maties up against last year’s runners-up UFS Kovsies in the final match of the first bumper weekend of Varsity Netball 2026. In the end, the visitors walked away victorious.

The opening quarter lived up to expectations, with little separating the two sides. Maties and Kovsies were equally matched and at the end of the opening 15 minutes, the score was 9-9.

The intensity remained high in the second quarter, with both teams refusing to allow the other to pull away. Kovsies, however, managed to gain a slight advantage and headed into half-time with a narrow 22-19 lead.

The visitors continued to apply pressure after the interval, while Maties fought hard in front of their home supporters. Kovsies maintained their composure and extended their advantage to 35-28 at the end of the third quarter.

The Maroon Machine entered the last stretch determined to launch a final comeback. The home side made use of their power play opportunity and continued to push Kovsies, but the visitors stood firm when it mattered most.

Kovsies eventually held on to secure a hard-fought 49-43 victory, bringing the curtain down on an action-packed weekend in Stellenbosch.