The SPAR Proteas had to put the disappointment of the previous match in Wollongong behind them as they came into the final game of the series. With the Aussie Diamonds having already clinched the series, a win for South Africa would boost their confidence.  

South Africa started off very strong in this match, making sure that they kept the Aussies on the back foot – a task they managed to maintain for the better part of the quarter, however it was the world champs that pulled away in the last three minutes scoring seven goals with no response from their opponents. The Aussie Diamonds took the quarter 20 – 11. 

The SPAR Proteas started the second quarter a bit stronger, using speed to their advantage. The objective was to reduce the score deficit and take the game to Australia. SPAR Proteas Head Coach Jenny van Dyk made two tactical changes mid quarter with the introduction of Owethu Ngubane for Kamogelo Masego and Juanita van Tonder, who made her debut replacing Nicola Smith as a goalkeeper.  Australia’s dominance and experience continued as they took the quarter 19 – 9. The hosts went into half time leading the match 39 – 20. 

The start of the championship quarter saw van Dyk bring about a few changes to the team with Rolene Streutker and Refiloe Nketsa taking to the court. 

The SPAR Proteas held their own as they took the quarter 12 -10 however this was not enough to overcome Australia's 49 – 32 lead. 

The SPAR Proteas put up a fight in the final quarter but a dominant and physical Aussie Diamonds team scored 16 goals to the 10 scored by South Africa, in the last 15 minutes, to give the worlds best netball nation an impressive 65-42 victory. 

“Firstly, we would like to congratulate Australia on their fantastic performance. Coming back to us, I believe that there were moments that I think we were doing a great job on attacks but we have a lot of work that lies ahead of us. We are looking forward to getting back home to start working on areas of improvement.  We learnt a lot about where our players are strong, how they adapt and how we need to manage them. This series was a big eye opener for us, and a big learning experience,” said Jenny van Dyk, SPAR Proteas Head Coach. 
 

Quarter Score Breakdown

•    Q1: SPAR Proteas 11 - 20 Aussie Diamonds
•    Q2: SPAR Proteas 20 - 39 Aussie Diamonds
•    Q3: SPAR Proteas 32 -49 Aussie Diamonds
•    Q4: SPAR Proteas 42 - 65 Aussie Diamonds

SPAR Proteas Starting VII

GS – Elmere van der Berg; GA – Kamogelo Maseko; WA – Khanyisa Chawane ( C ); C- Tarle Mathe; WD – Shadine van der Merwe; GD – Sanmarie Visser; GK Nicola Smith 

Shooting Stats:

Elmere van der Berg 20/21 (91%)

Kamogelo Maseko 4/4 (100%)

Owethu Ngubane 3/6 (50%)

Rolene Streutker 15/22 (68%)