SPAR PROTEAS SNATCH THE ROSES TO EVEN SERIES
SPAR Proteas came into the second match of the series against Vitality Roses with one thing in mind, and that was to make sure that they redeem themselves, win today and even the series at 1-1.
Norma Plummer started the game with a younger side as compared to her usual experienced team, she cited that this is part of the build up to 2027 and highlighted that this was influenced by both captain and vice-captain.
The young South African side stepped on court with more hunger and determination, they were not about to sit back and not compete tonight. It was England who made sure that they converted their centre pass and took an early lead in the game.
The SPAR Proteas quickly switched on and made sure to take the game to the hosts England, their quick and short pass game plan seemed to have been working wonders for them. The attacking duo of Kamogelo Maseko and Rolene Streutker 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.
In the second quarter, Plummer made one change at the back with Nicola Smith making way for Phumza Maweni who slotted at goal keeper position. The South African side made sure to carry the first quarter momentum into the second one. An intense second quarter for both teams however it was the SPAR Proteas who won this quarter 18 – 14, taking the overall lead 34 -30 at half time.
Vitality Roses started their quarter with the intention of reducing the deficit and they were very quick to score five goals with no response from South Africa. SPAR Proteas were not about to give up their lead just like that without a fight, they got back into the swing of things and took the fight to England, at the end of the championship quarter, it was the SPAR Proteas who enjoyed a comfortable five-point lead with a 47 -42 score on the board.
A couple of errors by the SPAR Proteas at the start of the last quarter brought back England into the game as they capitalised on that and caught up with South Africa. Captain Bongiwe Msomi was introduced to the game in place of Refiloe Nketsa. Another change midway through the court was the introduction of Owethu Ngubane taking over from Maseko.
Both teams knew and understood what a win meant to both, for South Africa it will even the series and for England, it will clinch the series for them. The last two minutes of the game were defined by who wanted it the most, who was the hungrier of the two – at the end of it all, it was South Africa who peeled away and snatched a two-point win and levelling the series. SPAR Proteas won the match 61 -59.
Considering how well the SPAR Proteas played as individuals and collectively, it was difficult to decide on who player of the match would be however it was the cool, calm, and collected Rolene Streutker who clinched the accolade at the end of the day after a 96% average at goal shooting position.
Both teams will head into the final match of the series locked at 1 – all and play the decider on Sunday 10th December 2023 at 16:00 (CAT).
Score Breakdown:
Q1 – Vitality Roses 16 – 16 SPAR Proteas
Q2 – Vitality Roses 30 – 34 SPAR Proteas
Q3 – Vitality Roses 42 – 47 SPAR Proteas
Q4 – Vitality Roses 54 – 51 SPAR Proteas
SPAR Proteas starting VII.
Rolene Streutker – GS
Kamogelo Maseko – GA
Refiloe Nketsa – C
Khanyisa Chawane – WA
Karla Pretorius – GD
Jeante Strydom – WD
Nicola Smith – GK
Photo Credit: Morgan Harlow
