A “sharper” SPAR Proteas team stuck to their game plan and upset World Cup silver medallists the England Roses 61 – 59 in the second of three international test matches played in Nottingham, United Kingdom on Saturday evening.
After losing the opening test 54-51 against England on Tuesday in Manchester, the SPAR Proteas regrouped, worked on elements that cost them first test and came into the second test of the series against the Vitality Roses with one thing in mind, and that was to make sure that they redeem themselves, to win the second test and level the series at 1 -1.
Norma Plummer started the game on Saturday evening with a younger side compared to her usual experienced team. Plummer cited that the choice of starting line-up was part of the build up to 2027 and highlighted that the line-up was influenced by both captain and vice-captain.
The young South African side stepped on court with hunger and determination, ready to compete against the world number three ranked hosts.
England made a solid start, converting their opening centre pass and took an early lead in the game.
The SPAR Proteas remained resilient and made sure to take the game to the hosts England, their quick and short pass game plan seemed to work wonders and rattle the hosts. The attacking duo of Kamogelo Maseko and Rolene Streutker (Player of the match) 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.
The 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.
SPAR Proteas Vice Captain, Karla Pretorius said the game was a “much better game” for South Africa compared to the opening test. “We started far better second time around and were more consistent throughout the game and lowered our error rate which was key.”
Pretorius said that the team wanted to take the momentum forward to the final and deciding test on Sunday evening (tonight).
Assistant SPAR Proteas coach, Dumisane Chauke agreed with Pretorius that the better start gave the team the platform for the upset win. “That stronger start was what we planned. However the impressive discipline of the South African’s as well as the decisiveness in movement and passing the ball on court, were the match winners.”
Both teams will head into the final match of the series locked at 1 – 1 and play the decider on Sunday 10th December 2023 at 16:00 (CAT) also in Nottingham.
Rolene Streutker: Player of the match, Rolene Streutker of the SPAR Proteas fighting for the ball during the Vitality Netball International Series second test match between England and South Africa in Nottingham, England on Saturday, 9 December 2023. Picture Credit: Morgan Harlow
