Reigning Fast5 champions New Zealand too good for South Africa

Both teams had a point to prove on the back of both teams losing their opening game of the series, but New Zealand seemed to find their rhythm on the back of some impressive long range shooting and astute defending.

South Africa were right in the game until half time, but their failure to capitalise on their power play would eventually be their downfall against the reigning Fast5 champions, going down 40-26.

The first quarter began with some nerves, leading to a number of turnovers with both defences holding strong for the first two minutes until Ameliaranne Ekenasio picked up where she left off in New Zealand’s first game, scoring seven points, including multiple 2 point goals to give the Kiwi’s a 10-7 advantage at the first break.

South Africa used their power play in the second quarter, but it was the defence of New Zealand that did the most damage. Despite having their power play active, South Africa and New Zealand both scored 8 points in the quarter. New Zealand took an an 18-15 advantage with a power play to come.

Ameliaranne Ekenasio opened the third quarter with a six point shot and never looked back, helping New Zealand score 18 points for the power play. South Africa were again held to just seven points, with New Zealand forcing turnovers and rebounding strongly from South Africa’s misses. New Zealand took a commanding 14 point lead into the final quarter.

South Africa battled hard against New Zealand’s seemingly impenetrable defence but 2/9 shooting from the South Africans was not enough to close the gap on New Zealand, going down 40-26.

New Zealand’s defence were the difference in a hard fought match that was all but decided by South Africa being held to just 8 points in their powerplay quarter.

NEW ZEALAND 40 defeated SOUTH AFRICA 26

South Africa shooting statistics

New Zealand shooting statistics