The SPAR Proteas delivered a clinical performance to defeat England 65-50 on Sunday, securing a thrilling 2–1 series victory in the SPAR Challenge international netball Test at Ellis Park Arena.
A blistering first half laid the foundation for South Africa’s triumph, as the home side dominated from the opening whistle. Coach Jenny van Dyk retained Thursday’s winning lineup, with only one change seeing Elmeré van der Berg start at goal shooter ahead of Rolene Streutker.
The Proteas exploded out of the blocks, racing to a 16-9 lead after the first quarter. Defenders Sanmarie Visser and Juanita van Tonder produced excellent turnovers in the circle, whilst the midcourt clicked seamlessly and the shooters found their range with precision.
South Africa maintained their momentum throughout the second quarter despite centre Tarle Mathe departing with an injury. Replacement Refiloe Nketsa slotted in without disrupting the team’s rhythm, and England coach Jess Thirlby’s multiple substitutions failed to stem the tide. The Proteas reached half-time commanding a 36-21 advantage, leaving the near-capacity crowd thrilled by spectacular intercepts and slick passing.
The third quarter brought the anticipated English fightback. Having dominated this period in the previous two Tests, England disrupted South Africa’s speed and rhythm, edging the quarter 17-16. However, the Proteas demonstrated composure under pressure, entering the final break with a 52-38 cushion.
Van Dyk rang the changes in the fourth quarter, bringing on Streutker, Nicola Smith, Kamogelo Maseko, and Kyla Dames as tired bodies began to show. The pace dropped considerably, but South Africa’s phenomenal first-half effort had already sealed victory.
Captain Khanyisa Chawane praised her team’s hunger after Saturday’s defeat. “You could see each and every person on that court wanted to win,” she said. “We went for every ball.”
Van Dyk hailed a “clinical performance”, whilst Thirlby graciously acknowledged her side had been outplayed. “Ultimately, for too much of the game, we were beaten,” England’s coach admitted. “I respect and give credit to the standard of the performance from the Proteas today.”
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