In a nail-biting first test match against England on UK soil, the Spar Proteas fought a good fight, starting off very strong, only to fall slightly behind towards the end of each quarter and losing the test against the Roses of England 49-38.
The second test will be played tonight at Wembley Arena at 20h45 (SA time).
The combinations set by Coach Elize Kotze worked very well. Bongiwe Msomi was her usual tigress on centre, supported by Simnikiwe Mdaka on wing attack, and the team of the lanky Melissa Myburgh on goal shooter and Maryka Holtzhausen on goal attack was a powerful one.
It was the third quarter that let the South African side down, as they were not able to capitalise on a number of turnover balls. England was quicker at getting their ball into the goal circle. At the end of the quarter the homeside led by 29 to 35.
Coach Elize Kotze made a number of changes in the final quarter which included switching Myburgh with Vanes-Mari du Toit and bringing Thuli Qegu on as wing defence. Some new combinations aided in team stamina, but the last three minutes of the final quarter were England’s spotlight. The women in red made a number of intercepts and quick passes to score consecutive goals, and they finished the match with a win.
Spar Proteas Coach Elize Kotze said that this was a good first game to see where her team stand against England. “I am disappointed that we weren’t able to capitalise on all our ball possession.” – BLDGROUP
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