The last two games of the thrilling three-match series against England were heated, with the SPAR Proteas ultimately going down 2-1.
Second Match
In the second match of the series the Spar Proteas came out guns blazing, as they wanted to redeem themselves from the 54-51 loss in the first match.
Coach Norma Plummer started the match with a fiery young side, compared to her usual experienced team, saying that this is part of the build-up to 2027 and highlighting that this was influenced by both captain and vice-captain.
England altered their centre pass and took an early lead in the game, however, the SPAR Proteas quickly switched up and took the game.
Fiery duo Kamogelo Maseko and Rolene Streutker, who were upfront, yielded the much-needed results as they made sure to convert their chances. The team seemed to be working like a well-oiled machine and after 15 minutes, both teams were tied at 16- all.
🏴🆚🇿🇦
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) December 9, 2023
𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁
𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲
The SPAR Proteas lead by 4 after a very tight first half. Let’s GO team! 🙌
ENGLAND 30
SOUTH AFRICA 34#SPARProteas pic.twitter.com/6wa07fW2Fs
Both teams gave an intense second quarter, however, it was the Spar Proteas who won the second quarter of the game 18-14, taking the overall lead 34-30 at half-time.
The Spar Proteas continued to take the lead in the 3rd quarter of the match and ultimately won the match, 61 -59, at the 4th quarter, snatching the win and evening out the series to 1-1.
Third Match
The third match was also a nail-biting match-up as both teams were gunning for the ultimate win.
It was also Coach Norma Plummer’s last game as a coach.
The first quarter of the game saw the Roses take the lead, while the Spar Proteas rued too many mistakes.
The second quarter was also a thrilling match-up as the Spar Proteas managed to scrape up to take the lead at 14-13.
The SPAR Proteas made two changes in the third quarter with Bongiwe Msomi coming in for Khanyisa Chawane and Jeante Strydom being replaced by Boitumelo Mahloko who was playing for the first time in this series. This championship quarter became a true reflection of the match as both teams drew 13 – all bringing the overall score to 42 – 38 to England.
Thank you for hosting us @EnglandNetball, it was a pleasure sharing the court with you - looking forward to our future encounters. 🤝😍🏴🇿🇦#SPARProteas | #NetballFamily https://t.co/HgpxnIkDv5
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) December 10, 2023
More changes in the last quarter by South Africa saw Ine Mari Venter who missed the previous game due to a niggling back injury coming in for Rolene Streutker and Owethu Ngubane for Kamogelo Maseko.
The SPAR Proteas made more mistakes in the final quarter of the match, making way for England to gain momentum. Although South Africa tried to fight back, they won the quarter 12 – 11 but England ended up taking the match 53 – 50 and winning the series 2 -1.
Speaking on her last day as coach, Norma Plummer said she was privileged to worked with the Spar Proteas.
“I have had the privilege of working with the best bunch of players in this South African team. It is unfortunate we did not win the series, but I can assure you that we have built something here and I can only hope that the team grows from here. I’d like to wish the team well and thank them for a great second stint. The time is now for Netball South Africa and netball in South Africa to grow,” said Coach Norma Plummer.
