The SPAR Proteas and Wales recently squared off for the second and final match of the two-test series at the Sport Wales National Centre. South Africa went into the match with high confidence following their win over Wales who sought to draw the series and claim their first-ever win against South Africa and started the match with the same team while Dorette Badenhorst made wholesome changes to the team that started their previous match.
It was the host who started the match on a high and took the game to South Africa as soon as the match started, they enjoyed the lead and finished the first quarter 14-12.
Both teams came into the second quarter with no changes, however, it was the SPAR Proteas who started punching above their weight and challenged Wales for their lead. South Africa seemed a bit stronger in the second quarter and claimed the lead before they managed to win 15-11 and took the score to 27-25 going into half time.
South Africa made a few changes coming into the third quarter with the introduction of Zanele Vimbela in defence, Khanyisa Chawane in mid-court and Lefebre Rademan in attack. South Africa continued to pile on the pressure, relying on their experience on the court, and dominated the championship quarter, ending 45-34.
Tshina Mdau came on at the start of the last quarter and was the only change that South Africa made going into this quarter. SPAR Proteas continued with their dominance, however, Wales did not hold back and won the last quarter 12-13 but still lost the match 57-47.
South Africa thus maintained their unbeaten record against Wales with both teams having met eighteen times in total. Team South Africa will now travel to Birmingham to check into the Athletes Village where they will continue with their preparations for the Commonwealth Games.
SPAR Proteas starting seven:
Ine-Mari Venter (GS); Elmere van der Berg (GA); Bongiwe Msomi (WA); Izette Griesel (C); Shadine van der Merwe (WD); Nicola Smith (GD); Phumza Maweni (GK)
Wales starting seven:
Christina Shaw (GK); Ella Powell-Davis (GD); Nia Jones (WD); Suzy Drane (C); Bethan Dyke (WA); Betsy Creak (GA); Georgia Rowe (GS)
