SPAR PROTEAS UNABLE TO STOP DIAMONDS FROM SHINING
World Champions Australia came into the third and final match leading the series 2 -0 and they were looking to get a white wash whilst South Africa were trying to avoid that and get a consolation win from this match.
Norma Plummer started the match with the same team as the last one with Australia making six changes. The combination of Ine Mari Venter and Kamogelo Maseko seems to have been working for them and they averaged 100% between the two of them. It was the Diamonds defensive prowess that worked for them as they took the quarter 22 -11. Norma Plummer made a change after 12 minutes with Jeante Strydom making way for Nicola Smith. Karla Pretorius took the Wing Defence position while Smith was slotted at Goal Defence.
South Africa came back into the third quarter after some tough talking from their coach and she expected better performance from them. With Australia playing their last test match of 2023, they made sure that they did it in great style. They seemed to be having fun in the middle of the court and playing their netball. They took the quarter 20 -11.
More changes by the SPAR Proteas came in during the third quarter, Refiloe Nketsa came in to replace Khanyisa Chawane and Phumza Maweni was replaced by Jamie van Wyk who is celebrating her birthday today. The Diamonds peeled off and showed off their experience, they continued to dominate the quarter and match. At the end of the quarter, it was the champions who led the match 57 -36.
SPAR Proteas came into the last quarter a different and better team, they seemed determined and wanted to turn the game around however it wasn’t to be as Diamonds were equal to the task, stood their ground and clinched the match 77 – 50.
“We were very patch in some part of the game, and I think it was the tired legs that we had. We did the best that we could. Secondly, it was important for us to give the young ones a good run, series is over, and we are already preparing for England. I am pleased with Nicola Smith’s performance tonight. I think she has stepped up very well,” said SPAR Proteas Head Coach Norma Plummer.
South Africa will be making their way back to the country to prepare for the England series scheduled for December 2023
Score Breakdown:
Q1 – Diamonds 22 – 11 SPAR Proteas
Q2 – Diamonds 42 – 22 SPAR Proteas
Q3 – Diamonds 57 – 36 SPAR Proteas
Q4 – Diamonds 77 – 50 SPAR Proteas
SPAR Proteas starting VII.
Ine-Mari Venter – GS
Kamogelo Maseko – GA
Bongiwe Msomi – C
Khanyisa Chawane – WA
Karla Pretorius – GD
Jeante Strydom – WD
Phumza Maweni – GK
