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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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Australians were dominant against the Spar Proteas, leading 31-21 at half time.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Diamonds held a convincing 14-goal lead heading into the final change. The match ended with the world champions, leading by 19 goals.<\/p>\n
Both sides will face each other again on Sunday and on Tuesday, October 31.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n\t
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\t\tplay_arrow<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\tSpar Proteas fall short against Australia<\/span>\n\t\t\tNonhlanhla Harris<\/span>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\t\t\t\n\t\n <\/p>\n SPAR Proteas Head Coach, Norma Plummer, also believes that they played well, adding that they will improve in the next matches.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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.”<\/p>\n\t \n\t\t\tSpar Proteas fall short against Australia<\/span>\n\t\t\tNonhlanhla Harris<\/span>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\t\t\t\n\t\n Score Breakdown:<\/strong><\/p>\n Q1 \u2013 Diamonds 17 \u2013 9 SPAR Proteas<\/p>\n Q2 \u2013 Diamonds 14 \u2013 12 SPAR Proteas<\/p>\n Q3 \u2013 Diamonds 15 \u2013 11 SPAR Proteas<\/p>\n Q4 \u2013 Diamonds 16 \u2013 11 SPAR Proteas<\/p>\n SPAR Proteas starting VII:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ine Mari Venter \u2013 GS <\/p>\n \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udd9a\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 Thank you South Africa for \ud835\ude02\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf6\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf4 behind the SPAR Proteas. \ud83d\ude4f We go again Sunday 07:00 (CAT) when the series moves to Hobart.#SPARProteas<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/OFNBiz45yR<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) October 25, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Meanwhile Minister of Sports and Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa has wished the Spar Proteas well for their next games:<\/p>\n Hard luck #SPARProteas<\/a>. You played bravely, despite the loss. All the best for the next game in your series against Australia @SportArtsCultur<\/a> @Netball_SA<\/a> @gsport4girls<\/a> @BongiweMsomi2<\/a> @karlamostert<\/a> @PhumzaMaweni<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/DfYl4xJwmD<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\nNicole Taljaard \u2013 GA
\nBongiwe Msomi \u2013 WA
\nKhanyisa Chawane \u2013 C
\nKarla Pretorius \u2013 WD
\nNicola Smith \u2013 GD
\nPhumza Maweni \u2013 GK<\/p>\n\n
\nPlayed with all our heart, but not meant to be today.
\nCongratulations Rolene Streutker making a stunning debut. \ud83d\udc4f<\/p>\n\n