Netball Proteas fall just short against world champions Australia

The Proteas and Australia in action during the Quad Series in London on Saturday. Photo: @AussieDiamonds via Twitter

The Proteas and Australia in action during the Quad Series in London on Saturday. Photo: @AussieDiamonds via Twitter

Published Jan 20, 2018

Share

South Africa suffered a close four-point defeat to Australia in London on Saturday evening.

The 54-50 defeat was the Proteas’ closest losing margin in history the two sides have crossed swords against each other. 

It was a tit-for-tat battle between the northern- and southern-hemisphere sides.

The Proteas side took an early lead, with Maryke Holtzhauzen landing the first shot. South Africa claimed an early three-point lead after the first 15 minutes of the encounter.

The Proteas enjoyed a mere three-point lead after the first quarter to give them a further confidence boost.

The world champions extended their lead by four goals shortly after the break, but the South Africans clawed their way back to get within a point with a minute to go to the recess.

The Aussies landed counter blows, but the Proteas levelled the scores shortly before the break before the Proteas claimed a one-point (26-25) at the recess.

Congratulations to the player of the match, South African captain @BongiweMsomi2 #QuadSeries

— Samsung Diamonds (@AussieDiamonds) January 20, 2018

The match swung in the Australians’ favour as they gained a one-point lead over their southern-hemisphere counterpoints in the third quarter.

The match turned into a bun-fight in the last few minutes as South Africa inched closer towards a historic victory over the world’s best side. The side from Down Under refused to give way to the tenacious Proteas side that got within a point with only 15 minutes left in the encounter

South Africa levelled the scores three minutes into the final quarter to strengthen their chances of claiming a famous victory over the world champions. 

The final few minutes of the match developed into a hard-fought battle as the scores changed hands.

The Australians landed a last few deciding blows to leave South Africa within four points of a famous victory. 

@ockertde

 

IOL Sport

Like IOL Sport on Facebook

 

Follow IOL Sport on Twitter

Related Topics: