Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni at the three match test series against Australia.
 

SPAR Proteas Head Coach, Norma Plummer started the final match of the series 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. 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. 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. The Diamonds peeled off and showed off their experience, continuing to dominate the quarter and match. At the end of the quarter, it was the champions who led 57 -36.

SPAR Proteas came into the last quarter a different and better team, determined to turn the game around however it wasn’t to be as the Diamonds were equal to the task, stood their ground and clinched the match 77 – 50. 

“We were very patchy 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.  The 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 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