By Edwin Mbewe
MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Blue Eagles Netball Team have intensified their title defence in the 2026 FDH Netball Premier League after cruising to a convincing 54-21 victory over FCL in a week-four fixture played at Rosedale Netball Court in Mzuzu on Friday.
The Malawi Police Service-sponsored defending champions were made to work for their victory after making a slow start to the encounter, but they eventually found their rhythm to dominate the Northern Region-based outfit.
Blue Eagles assistant coach Rose Chinyama made several changes to the starting line-up following three away fixtures in Blantyre during week three against Tigresses, Giants NC and PACERS.
Captain Ruth Kaliyenda, Nancy Njawala and goal defender Juliet Sambo were rested, while Tapiwa Chikooka and Brenda Kamanga, who started at goal attack, were introduced. Ivy Chimenya was deployed in the mid-court in the absence of Queens captain Takondwa Lwazi.
FCL started brightly and managed to keep the defending champions within touching distance during the opening exchanges. Blue Eagles led 9-5 at the end of the first quarter.
However, the Policewomen stepped up their intensity in the second quarter, tightening their defence and becoming more clinical in attack. They finished the half with a commanding 21-9 lead.
After the break, FCL attempted to fight their way back into the contest, but Blue Eagles had already taken control of proceedings. The visitors continued to stretch their lead and ended the third quarter comfortably ahead at 36-16.
There was no way back for FCL in the final quarter as Blue Eagles completed a 54-21 victory to strengthen their title defence.
The result moved Blue Eagles to the top of the league table on goal difference, level on 11 points with Kukoma Diamonds after six matches.
Blue Eagles have scored 330 goals and conceded 199, giving them a superior goal difference of +131. Kukoma Diamonds, who sit second, have scored 305 and conceded 249 for a goal difference of +56.
Despite FCL’s heavy defeat, their player Bridget William was named Player of the Match.
Speaking after the game, Blue Eagles assistant coach Chinyama praised her players for executing the game plan.
“The girls played according to the instructions. Our defence and shooting were super on the day, hence the victory.”
FCL assistant coach Collen Nkhulambe expressed disappointment after his side suffered their second defeat of the day at Rosedale.
“We have played a good game, but our friends capitalised on their experience. The way the visitors played clearly showed that they are really champions. We hope we start doing better from the match against Kukoma Diamonds in Blantyre next week,” Nkhulambe said.
FCL, one of the newcomers to the Premier League, have won just one of their seven matches so far—a victory over fellow newcomers KIA. Their difficult campaign has also been reflected in their defensive record, having conceded 331 goals while scoring 185, leaving them with a league-worst goal difference of -146.
Earlier on Friday, FCL suffered another defeat, going down 34-22 to Prison Queens in their opening match of the day.
Blue Eagles, meanwhile, remain unbeaten after six matches, with five wins and one draw.
They opened their campaign with a 68-34 demolition of Prison Queens before playing out a 42-42 draw against Kukoma Diamonds in week one at the Silver Stadium Netball Court in Lilongwe.
The defending champions then secured three important victories in Blantyre, beating Tigresses 45-43, PACERS 59-30 and Giants NC 63-28.
Blue Eagles will return to action in week five when they face MAFCO Soldiers and Civonets at the Civo Stadium Netball Court in Lilongwe from August 29-30, 2026, as their bid to retain the FDH Netball Premier League title gathers momentum.
