The North West Flames shot to the top of the Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League, with a hard-fought 44-36 win over the only other unbeaten team, the Southern Stings, on Saturday.

The match was fast and physical, and resulted in a Stings player, goal attack Nicole Taljaard, being stretchered off the court with a knee injury.

The Stings started slowly but made good progress and were only four goals behind at the end of the first quarter.

"The only difference between us was the goal averages," said Flames coach Dorette Badenhorst.

Flames goal attack Renske Stoltz picked up her second player of the match award with a scintillating performance. Despite being one of the shortest players in the NPL, she is able to score from anywhere in the circle.

Badenhorst said they had prepared well for the match, as they knew they were up against Proteas goalkeeper Adele Niemand and centre Erin Burger.

Her young shooter, Siggie Burger, coped well with Niemand and Badenhorst said she was improving with every game.

Stings coach Anneli Lucas said she was pleased with her team's performance despite the loss.

"I agree with Dorette - the difference between the teams was goal averages," she added.

The earlier match between the lower ranked Mpumalanga Sunbirds and the Northern Cape Diamonds turned out to be a thriller, with the Diamonds sneaking a 50-49-goal victory.

Results:

Yesterday:

Mpumalanga Sunbirds 49, Northern Cape Diamonds 50

North West Flames 44, Southern Stings 36

Friday: Gauteng Fireballs 39, Free State Crinums 47

Eastern Cape Aloes 33, Gauteng Jaguars 61

Saturday

Mpumalanga Sunbirds 59, Kingdom Stars 29

Limpopo Baobabs 21, Free State Crinums 69

Gauteng Fireballs 59, Northern Cape Diamonds 31