/ 4 June 1997

Netballers lose to Aussies

WEDNESDAY, 12.00NOON:

SOUTH AFRICA lost their women’s netball match against world champions Australia 65-48 in Brisbane on Tuesday night. But Australian captain Vicki Wilson said: “Beating South Africa was harder than it looked.”

She said South Africa has “improved a lot. They play with patience and they didn’t panic.” South Africa kept the lead down through the first quarter, but Australia outmanoevred them later in the game.

SA coach Marlene Wagner said her team needs more control. “Australia are so slick it’s hard blocking off their supply to their shooters. But we are getting better. The gap is getting smaller.” Their next Test wil be in Melbourne on Friday.