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Jamaica win netball series but Proteas hold heads high

rugby23 January 2025 06:35
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The spirited Spar Proteas went down 59-47 to Jamaica in the second match in the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Netball Series in Kingston on Wednesday.

This means that Jamaica, ranked third in the world, have clinched the three-test series against fifth-ranked South Africa.

For a time in the first quarter, the Proteas held a narrow two-goal lead over Jamaica, but midway through the quarter, the Sunshine Girls, possibly buoyed by the arrival at the National Indoor Stadium of sprinting legend Asafa Powell, stepped up a gear and won the quarter by 18 goals to 13.

In the second quarter, South Africa fought hard, but Jamaica kept the ball moving into their circle.

The Proteas maintained good discipline but poor communication among the players cost them dearly, as Jamaica increased their lead, winning the second quarter by eight goals (34-26).

The Sunshine Girls stepped up again in the third quarter and at one stage, led by 15 goals – the highest margin in the series so far.

The South African defenders, debutant Sanmarie Visser at goal defence and goalkeeper Ane Retief made life difficult for the Jamaican shooters but to no avail, as Jamaica won the quarter by 14 goals. (50-36)

Jamaica used speed and high balls to get the ball into their own circle, while the Jamaican defence was very effective against the South African circle.

Jamaica made several changes for the final quarter, which South Africa won by 12 goals to nine.

The final score of 59-47 did not reflect how well the Proteas played.

Goal attack Kamogelo Maseka had an outstanding game, as did captain and wing attack Khanyisa Chawane, but too many unforced errors cost the young and inexperienced South Africans the match.

'LESSONS TO LEARN'

Coach Jenny van Dyk said she was disappointed but not disheartened.

“What a great performance by the Sunshine Girls. They were just so clinical, not leaving anything to chance. We are learning what it is like to play a world-class team,” she said.

“There are so many lessons to be taken out of this game, and I am very pleased that we were able to win the final quarter.”

Assistant coach Zanele Mdodana said she thought the Proteas had been better than they had been in the first test on Saturday.

“I thought they were energized and switched on.

“We are giving our players the opportunity to understand what it is to play against the top teams, and the more we play these guys, the better we will be.

“We need to learn how to withstand pressure, both physically and mentally,” said Mdodana.

Earlier, in a promising sign for the future, the Spar Baby Proteas beat Jamaica Under-21 by 49-32.

The third and final test will be played on Saturday 25 January (6pm Jamaican time).

The test will be broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4, DSTV channel 209.

© Netball SA

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