BIG POSITIVES EMERGE FROM SPAR PROTEAS NARROW LOSS TO ENGLAND ROSES IN OPENING NETBALL TEST.

Manchester, England: SPAR Proteas head coach, Norma Plummer was upbeat despite her teams narrow 51-54 loss to the England Roses in the first of three test played in Manchester later Tuesday evening. Plummer said, “That her Spar Proteas started too slow losing the first two quarters against the world cup sliver medals which cost South Africa the narrow 3 points loss.?

“When you play against the worlds best you need to make sure you start strongly and not let your opponent’s take control. Silly mistakes cost my team in the first two quarters but after the half time break they were more composed and played smart netball to win the third and fourth quarters which was unfortunate too late. I’m happy at the performance of my team especially the young players who will though inexperience to this level showed a great fighting spirit which lends well for the next two tests.”

Assistant SPAR Proteas coach Dumisani Chauke agreed with Plummer “The game went well last night although it was not the start we wanted. The strong finish gave us the opportunity to gauge ourselves against the world’s number three nation. We were fortunate enough to give our young stars an opportunity to take court, some who have never played against England, and we were proud on what they delivered indicating that the future looks bright.”

Chauke said they were certain things that the teams needed to work on head of second test on Saturday. “We have a few days to go back to the drawing board and work on certain things especially the turn over rate and making use of the ball when we do have it in our hands.”

?The last time South Africa and England met was during the 2023 Netball Quad Series in Cape Town in January of this year and it was England who came out on tops. Both teams had a nervy start in the first quarter with hosts England breaking the ice by scoring first however South Africa were up for the challenge. Coach Norma Plummer started the match with a team that fused experienced players with youth. At the end of the first stanza, it was the Vitality Roses who were leading 16 – 11.

?Second quarter was an all-England affair as they took charge of this match and dictated the terms for the better part of the quarter. South Africa made one change in the quarter with the introduction of Kamogelo Maseko at Goal Attack replacing of Nichole Taljaard. After 30 minutes, it was England on the driver’s seat taking the quarter 14 – 11 with the host going into the half time break leading 30-22.

South Africa came out into the third quarter a different team as they challenged England and took the game to them every chance they got. Jess Thirlby of England made wholesome changes in quick succession, and this worked very well in South Africa’s favour. South Africa were more settled and stable – coach Plummer made one forced change when Phumza Maweni limped off injured and was replaced by Nicola Smith at the back who? impressed? combining well with Karla Pretorius. South Africa took the third quarter 14 – 13, taking the overall score 43 – 36 in England’s favour.

?The final quarter was no different for the SPAR Proteas who started the same way they ended. A couple of changes saw skipper Bongiwe Msomi and Khanyisa Chawane being rested and replaced by Jeante Strydom and Refiloe Nketsa. Despite the inexperience of South Africa on court, they did not back down from the challenge that lied ahead of them. A “gutsy” display of netball was good enough for South Africa to win the quarter 15 – 11 and reduce the scoreline to just three points. It was England ultimately who won the match 54 -51.

South Africa’s Head Coach Norma Plummer said post-match “I think we made it very hard for ourselves when you consider how we started. It was very nervy for us, and we couldn’t pass the ball high enough and played to England’s strength. We came back and eventually got it right. Some of the mistakes we spoke to the girls about in training, they had to see if for themselves now on court – I believe that they will be better and do better next time we take to court. Overall, I am impressed with how we played especially in the second half. I think we will produce some big players from this group soon.”