New Zealand and Australia off to a flyer while The Spar Proteas lose


By Neo Poho

The 2023 Edition of the Netball Quad Series commenced on Saturday the 21st of January at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town with the Spar Proteas losing their opening match 61-41 to New Zealand.

New Zealand's Kelly Jury was the difference between the two sides after putting on a five star performance against a resilient South African team.

With Jury making it difficult for the Spar Proteas shooters, Sulu Fitzpatrick, Peta Toeava and Maia Wilson then set New Zealand apart in attack as they came off the bench to work brilliantly with Grace Nweke, helping their side cruise to a 20-5 third quarter lead.

Although South Africa fought back, it was too little too late for the hosts who now face England on Sunday afternoon at 13:30.

In the other encounter on Saturday Australia proved why they are the world no.1 team as they fought back very late to defeat England 61-55 in the Quad series opener.

England were ahead in the first quarter of the match securing a 18-14 lead with Eleanor Cardwell scoring 16 out of 18 goal attempts.

The second quarter was then a bit different as Australia started the fight back with Sophie Garbin leading the attack, but a late goal from Cardwell gave England a narrow 32-31 lead at the halfway mark of the match.

In a closely contested match the third round produced sparks as Australia went ahead for the first time in the match finishing the round with a 48-41 lead.

The Diamonds then cruised to victory in the fourth and final round with England trying to come back as coach Jess Thirlby brought in the changes in desperation however Australia consolidated matters to make sure the score line reads 61-55 in the end.

The Diamonds will now look to make it two wins in as many matches as they tackle New Zealand on Sunday afternoon at 13:30.

Article Tags

Netball

Quad Series

Spar Proteas

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