SPAR Proteas players and technical team at the Vitality Netball International Series in Nottingham. Pic: Morgan Harlow
 

The final day of the Vitality Netball Series between England and South Africa went down to the wire on 10 December 2023, with both teams locked at 1 – all, it was a winner takes all match. Norma Plummer, SPAR Proteas Head Coach made only one change from the team that started second day with Phumza Maweni starting ahead of Nicola Smith who left the court injured yesterday. 

 
Plummer who is sitting on the bench for the last time today as a coach would like to see her charges sealing the series and her departure with a win however hosts England have other ideas. Vitality Roses seemed to be neutralising SPAR Proteas fast paced game, forcing them to commit more errors. England ended the first quarter leading 16 - 11.
 
Second quarter was no different for England as they continued to exert more pressure on South Africa. SPAR Proteas understood the importance of not sitting back, they had to dig deep to make sure to win the quarter 14 – 13.
 
SPAR Proteas made two changes in the third quarter with Bongiwe Msomi coming in for Khanyisa Chawane and Jeante Strydom was replaced by Boitumelo Mahloko who was playing for the first time in this series. This championship quarter became a true reflection of the match as both teams drew 13 – all bringing the overall score to 42 – 38 to England.
 
More changes in the last quarter by South Africa saw Ine Mari Venter who missed the previous game due to a niggling back injury coming in for Rolene Streutker and Owethu Ngubane for Kamogelo Maseko. Errors by the SPAR Proteas became their worst enemy as this allowed England to gain possession turnovers. This was a great fight back by South Africa as they won the quarter 12 – 11 and England taking the match 53 – 50 and winning the series 2 -1.
 
“I have had the privilege of working with the best bunch of players in this South African team. It is unfortunate we did not win the series, but I can assure you that we have built something here and I can only hope that the team grows from here. I’d like to wish the team well and thank them for a great second stint. The time is now for Netball South Africa and netball in South Africa to grow,” said outgoing SPAR Proteas Head Coach Norma Plummer.
 

Score Breakdown

 
Q1 – Vitality Roses 16 – 11 SPAR Proteas
Q2 – Vitality Roses 13 – 14 SPAR Proteas (29-25)
Q3 – Vitality Roses 13 – 13 SPAR Proteas (42-38)
Q4 – Vitality Roses 11 – 12 SPAR Proteas (53-50)
 

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