A new champion will be crowned in the Bermuda Netball Association Winter League after champions Phoenix Heat were effectively eliminated from the title race.

Heat, who have dominated in the league over the years by often going undefeated, lost 35-29 to Storm last Saturday.

That loss, the third for the season, diminished Erika Russell’s chances of finishing on top of the standings when the season concludes early next month, even with four matches remaining.

Lindo’s Tigers, who have won all ten matches, are favourites to win the title, with Storm in close pursuit. Kianté Lightbourne, the Heat captain, conceded that the title is now unachievable.

“The league title is out of reach, but there are still games to be played and we want to win them,” Lightbourne said.

“We were really disappointed not to win the match against Storm. We tend to start matches slow and when we were just getting into gear, we unfortunately lost our goal shooter Keizhari Knight who went down injured.

“Losing another shooter to injury this season was not on our bingo card but here we are. Keizhari, who prefers to be in the defensive end, had been doing a great job creating space for herself and getting in her shots.

“We stayed in the game but our last quarter performance was what let us down. A couple of people have some knocks and injuries to take care of after such a physical match, but we went back to training on Tuesday in preparation for our next match against Tigers.”

Jahtuere Trott, the Tigers captain, whose team has to beat Heat and Storm to win the title, is excited about the prospects of being champions.

“We are anticipating a good match-up against Phoenix,” she said.

“Both teams are going to bring maximum effort, focus and undeniable commitment to this fixture. We have two competitive games left, against Phoenix and Storm, we just have to keep our momentum, stay focused and play our game, the end is near.”

Storm captain Debré Evans acknowledged that they have to win big in their last three matches to dislodge Tigers from the top of the table.

“We would have to win the rest of our remaining matches and get our goal difference up to potentially grab the championship,” Evans said.

“It’s not going to be easy especially when we face Tigers, as they want the title just as bad as us. Coming from a loss the first time we faced Tigers, a win the second time is very important for us.

“We know for a fact that Tigers will not make it easy for us at all so it will be a fight to the finish on both ends.”

Reflecting on their last win against Heat, Evans recognised that it was not an easy encounter.

“It was a hard-fought match against Phoenix,” the Storm team leader said.

“They didn’t make it easy for us but we knew it would never be an easy match. We stuck to our game plan and maintained the energy throughout the entire match.

“It was a breath of fresh air to beat Phoenix again as they’re the team to beat. Kudos to them for maintaining their winning streak for so long as it’s hard staying at the top while everyone is gunning for you.

“I feel like our time has finally come and that’s what makes the victory so sweet because we have worked so hard. I am extremely proud of my team, but the job is not finished as we have three more crucial games that will make a difference in where we place this year.

“I also want to shout out our coaches as they have been extremely patient and supportive of us.

“Coaches hardly get their flowers as being a coach is a thankless job, but they are extremely appreciated. This win and others we've achieved this season would not be possible without them.”