The Spar Proteas suffered a 62-43 defeat World number 1 Australia, on Wednesday, in the first of their three match series held in Sydney.
The Origin Australian Diamonds claimed an opening test win over the South Africa, who did their best to fight back but fell short at the Cairns Convention Centre.
Australians were dominant against the Spar Proteas, leading 31-21 at half time.
Neither side could get a break in the second term, with the Diamonds holding onto a 10-goal lead. However, through hard work – the Proteas managed to get more points on the scoreboard.
The Diamonds held a convincing 14-goal lead heading into the final change. The match ended with the world champions, leading by 19 goals.
Both sides will face each other again on Sunday and on Tuesday, October 31.
Speaking after the match, captain Bongi Msomi told journalists that they knew it was going to be a tough match, but gave it their best nonetheless.
SPAR Proteas Head Coach, Norma Plummer, also believes that they played well, adding that they will improve in the next matches.
“I think we did very well, considering that we did not have any games since World Cup. The players stepped up and did exceptionally well. I am not disappointed at all; I am impressed with how everyone stepped up and raised their hands. For the remaining two tests, we will keep building and coming strong. We have a bunch of great players who just need to be properly coached and exposed to what is out there.”
Score Breakdown:
Q1 – Diamonds 17 – 9 SPAR Proteas
Q2 – Diamonds 14 – 12 SPAR Proteas
Q3 – Diamonds 15 – 11 SPAR Proteas
Q4 – Diamonds 16 – 11 SPAR Proteas
SPAR Proteas starting VII:
Ine Mari Venter – GS
Nicole Taljaard – GA
Bongiwe Msomi – WA
Khanyisa Chawane – C
Karla Pretorius – WD
Nicola Smith – GD
Phumza Maweni – GK
🇦🇺🆚🇿🇦
Played with all our heart, but not meant to be today.
Congratulations Rolene Streutker making a stunning debut. 👏Thank you South Africa for 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 behind the SPAR Proteas. 🙏 We go again Sunday 07:00 (CAT) when the series moves to Hobart.#SPARProteas pic.twitter.com/OFNBiz45yR
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) October 25, 2023
Meanwhile Minister of Sports and Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa has wished the Spar Proteas well for their next games:
Hard luck #SPARProteas. You played bravely, despite the loss. All the best for the next game in your series against Australia @SportArtsCultur @Netball_SA @gsport4girls @BongiweMsomi2 @karlamostert @PhumzaMaweni pic.twitter.com/DfYl4xJwmD
— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) October 25, 2023
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