Silver Ferns continued their dominance over the SPAR Proteas as they recorded their 38th win with a 70 – 58 in the history of the two teams. They take a 2-0 lead in a three-match series with one more game left.
SPAR Proteas came into the second test against Silver Ferns as wounded soldiers following their defeat in the first match. Head Coach Jenny van Dyk made a couple of changes in her starting seven with the inclusion Elmere van der Berg, Tarle Mathe and Jamie van Wyk from the team that started the opening match.
South Africa used their speed and quick passes to their advantage; the visitor enjoyed a two-point lead first before New Zealand could reply. The game plan from SPAR Proteas seemed to be yielding the desired results as they took control of the quarter, however Silver Ferns clawed their way back into the game, but time wasn’t on their side as SPAR Proteas took the first quarter 15 -14. This was the first time in ten tests that New Zealand lost a first quarter.
Silver Ferns kept their momentum in the second quarter and displayed their experience as they were very quick to get off the mark in an attempt to recover and get back in the game. – SPAR Proteas held their own as well and pushed as much as they could however it was Silver Ferns who clinched the quarter 20 – 13 and go into half time leading 34 – 28
Championship quarter came with a few tired legs, Coach van Dyk made a few changes and brought in fresh legs and rotated her team slightly. At the end of the quarter, it was Silver Ferns that who enjoyed an unsaleable lead of 53 -42 overall. With the last quarter, SPAR Proteas players knew that they had to throw everything at New Zealand to try and regain the lead and try salvage a win and sadly this wasn’t meant to be as Silver Ferns won the match 70 -58.
Quarter Score Breakdown
- Q1: SPAR Proteas 15 – 14 Silver Ferns
- Q2: SPAR Proteas 28 – 34 Silver Ferns
- Q3: SPAR Proteas 42 – 53 Silver Ferns
- Q4: SPAR Proteas 58 – 70 Silver Ferns
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 – Jamie van Wyk; GK –Sanmarie Visser
Shooting Stats:
Elmere van der Berg 44/47 (94%)
Kamogelo Maseko 14/19 (74%)
Photo Credit: Netball New Zealand
