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Desert Jewels beat NI Warriors at Celtic Cup

• 1 Day Ago 02 December 2025

Namibia’s senior women’s national netball team, the Debmarine Desert Jewels, finished the Celtic Cup in style on Sunday, recording their first win of the tournament with a 43-39 victory over Northern Ireland (NI) Warriors. Held at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, the tournament brought together six of world netball’s finest in a battle for top honours and improved Netball World rankings. Debutants at the tournament, the Desert Jewels and eventual champions Uganda’s She Cranes, joined hosts Scottish Thistles (which ended second), defending champions Welsh Feathers of Wales (third), Zimbabwe’s Gems (fourth) and NI Warriors (sixth). The Desert Jewels found the going tough at the event, losing all their matches leading up to their final clash. However, the win ensured they avoided bottom place, securing fifth position. It may also give their world ranking (15th) a boost, since they defeated the NI Warriors, who sit 12th globally. First quarter Their final dance saw them put up their strongest performance of the campaign. They opened the crucial fifth-place decider with a disciplined defensive unit that kept the Warriors’ attack outside the circle for long periods. Goal Shooter (GS) Uendjisuvera Kangumine got off the mark early after a clean feed from Centre (C) Monica Gomases, who was only making her second appearance at the tournament following visa issues. Kangumine scored again before the Warriors responded through GS Orlaith Rogers, who converted from distance after a quick transition. Namibia continued to settle into rhythm, going five goals clear at one point. Their physical pressure and strong contesting before the Warriors entered the shooting circle forced rushed attempts and several missed shots under the post. Goal Defender (GD) Melitta Hunga was pivotal, reading the circle feeds well and picking off crucial intercepts that swung momentum back to the Jewels. The quarter ended 11-7, with Kangumine contributing 10 of those goals. Second quarter The Warriors returned with renewed intensity and applied a higher defensive press, which paid off as Rogers and Goal Attack (GA) Georgie McGrath scored early without reply. However, the Warriors’ defensive lapses inside their own circle, combined with penalty passes and shots conceded under the post, allowed the Jewels to maintain their advantage. One of the highlights came from GD Hunga, who delivered a precise long feed from the centre third to find Kangumine in the circle in the dying seconds, giving Namibia a seven-goal cushion at half-time (25-18). Third quarter The third quarter again opened with Rogers scoring first, before Kangumine responded. Namibia showed signs of fatigue and missed several makeable attempts, with shots bouncing off the ring. The Warriors capitalised, using quick turnovers and direct transitions to goal, where they were more accurate. Their improved conversion rate saw them briefly overtake the Jewels, winning the quarter 30-29. Fourth quarter The Jewels returned from the break with fresh energy, and Kangumine once again drew first blood. Head coach Julene Meyer continued to rotate players in structured offensive adjustments to stabilise shooting rhythm and retain control in the circle. The quarter produced a back-and-forth contest, with the teams drawing level several times. The Warriors’ challenge took a blow when Wing Defence (WD) Niamh Cooper received a two-minute suspension for intentional delay of play with under seven minutes remaining, putting her side further on the back foot. Despite their late push and Rogers converting a penalty after the final whistle, the Warriors could not claw back the deficit, losing 43-39 and finishing last. Jewels captain and Goal Keeper (GK) Cornelia Mupenda was named Player of the Match for her commanding defensive performance. – [email protected]