Rainbow Paints title battle down to the wire

Champions for the 2019 Rainbow Paints Blantyre and Districts Netball League (BDNL) will be known on the very last day of the season on December 7 when rivals Kukoma Diamonds and First Choice Tigresses tussle for ultimate glory.

Unlike last season when Diamonds defended the crown with three games to spare, there is a tight race in the latest edition as the two sides, who are the only remaining title contenders, are separated by only two points with each remaining with a game to conclude their fixtures.

Diamonds have taken their tally in the 11-team league to 38 points from 19-straight wins following 110-6, 101-6 and 69-14 thumping victories over Polytechnic Sisters, Machinjiri Sisters and Chilomoni Sisters, respectively, last weekend while Tigresses are second with 36 points from the same number of games after thrashing Polytechnic 97-9, Vicky Sisters 97-6 and Tropical Queens 42-25.

BDNL general secretary Annie Hanjahanja-Billie yesterday said the development means the 2019 season has been very competitive and that the season will conclude on an impressive note.

“The hype of the last games gets diluted when champions are known before the last day; complacency creeps in for the winners as they do not play to their level best. However, we will have a very entertaining final this year as Diamonds and Tigresses will be battling for the title,” she said.

Diamonds assistant coach Noel Mussa said they have left no stone unturned to conclude the season unbeaten.

“We will engage an extra gear in our preparation for the decisive match against Tigresses. We know it will be a tough encounter considering that any slip-up would cost us the title,” he said.

Tigresses coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa, whose side is seeking the irfirst league title in three seasons, said they are happy to remain in contention for the title.

”There is only a two-point gap between us and Diamonds. Our mission is to do anything possible beat them in the last match to wear the crown,” she said.