The world champions thrashed the Spar Proteas 77-50 in their third and final South Africa series 2023 match on Tuesday in Tasmania, retaining their test series winning title.
The Spar Proteas once again rued too many mistakes, with 28 turnovers in one game and errors that could have been avoided, giving the world champions a quick advantage and ultimately dominating the first and second quarter of the game.
Although the South Africans gave an electrifying performance in the 3rd and 4th quarters of the game, it was not enough to beat the world champions.
🇦🇺🆚🇿🇦
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) October 31, 2023
The journey continues. Valuable lessons learned to come back stronger. 💪
Thank you South Africa, win or lose - 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝗲. 🙏#SPARProteas pic.twitter.com/w1FE6T3NUN
Goal Attack Kamogelo Maseko’s impressive split was on full show as the Spar Proteas kept the world champions on their toes only to lose the quarter by a single goal and trail by 21 at the final change. They held a lead midway through the 4th quarter; however Australia ultimately secured the win.
The Spar Proteas also gave an intense performance in the second test series match against Australia on Sunday compared to the first showdown.
"Unearthed an absolute star of the future"
— Fox Netball (@fox_netball) October 29, 2023
Cath Cox LOVED what she saw from the Proteas' rookie who took Game Two MVP honours. pic.twitter.com/zgmZiEyb9b
Coach Norma Plummer made two changes to the team that started the last game, with Kamogelo Masego (who was ultimately named player of the match) at Goal Attack and Jeante Strydom in Wing Defence.
Although the team had a shaky start in the first quarter of the game, they redeemed themselves in the second quarter, putting the world champions in a tight corner, but they ultimately lost it right at the end when Australia took the quarter 14-12, leading the game by 32-25.
The two teams continued to go head-to-head against each other but at the end of the match, it was the Diamonds that continued with their unbeaten run against the Spar Proteas, winning the match 67-52.
🇦🇺🆚🇿🇦
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) October 25, 2023
𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁
𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲
Defensive changes paying off. Stronger drive in the second quarter for the SPAR Proteas. Let’s GO team!
AUSTRALIA 31
SOUTH AFRICA 21#SPARProteas pic.twitter.com/YMg3QSwIjj
The first test series match rued too many missed opportunities for the Spar Proteas, but the team was determined to get back on track. The first test series match ended with the world champions winning the match 62-43.
The Spar Proteas will be heading back home to prepare for their last series of the year with England in December.
