Gaborone, Botswana – The SPAR Baby Proteas got their Netball World Youth Cup campaign in Gaborone off to the best possible start on Saturday, with a crushing 62-30 win over Barbados.
Dorette Badenhorst’s team showed their intent from the start, racing to a nine-goal lead at the end of the first quarter. By halftime, the SPAR Baby Proteas were ahead by 33 to 14. With a substantial lead, Badenhorst was able to bring on her bench players after the break.
Barbados fought back in the third quarter, restricting South Africa to 12 goals and scoring 11 – their highest total in the match, but it was back to normal service in the final quarter, with the South Africans outscoring the islanders by 17 goals to 5.
The South African attack was in good form and the defenders were very effective, particularly in the circle. Badenhorst was delighted with the result.
“It’s a great start and a confidence booster for the rest of the tournament, ” she said. “We didn’t know much about Barbados, but they came seventh at the last Youth World Cup, so I expected a harder fight.
“Our girls showed a lot of character, and I am very proud of them. It is always good to start with a win and we are very excited about the rest of the tournament.”
The SPAR Baby Proteas play Singapore on Tuesday after a break on Monday, and play Australia on Wednesday.
