Cape Town - The Spar Proteas won the three-Test netball series against Scotland with a game to spare after winning the second match 45-25 at Bellville on Friday night.
The South Africans now move up to fifth position in the world rankings.
“I am very happy with the defence because they kept the score down. The Scottish scored four less than last night (in the first match),” said Proteas coach Elize Kotze.
“Scotland have an experienced team and a good coaching staff. They did their homework, so credit to them for coming back and giving us a run for our money. They were also good in that they tested the Proteas’ character. We could’vejust lapsed, but we kept on fighting.”
South Africa were a little relaxed in the first quarter and allowed the visitors to dominate. Gail Parata’s team ended the first quarter leading 8-6.
The Proteas came back strongly in the second quarter to take the lead.
Lenise Potgieter did well considering that it was her first game.
“Tonight I wanted to see if Lenise could take first climb in the first quarter. She did very well and stood her ground,” said Kotze. “I am very proud of Lenise. She did very well in her first Test.
“But the experience of Chrisna van Zyl leading out of the circle and playing an attacking game and linking with the midfield made it wasy for the attackers.”
The combination of Van Zyl and Melissa Myburgh worked well for the home side.
Kotze made one change to her starting 11 from the first Test. She also made three positional changes.
Former captain Zanele Mdodana was introduced in the third quarter and did exceptionally well. Bongiwe Msomi was moved from wide attack to centre and Mdodana took her wide attack position.
“Zanele did very well and fetched the deep leads for us. She was safe on the ball,” said Kotze.
The last game is on Saturday (3pm) at the same venue.
Saturday Star