The South African netball team on Wednesday lost the second Test against England in Manchester 64-48 and with that the series.
England had won the first Test in Newcastle on Monday night 56-44.
The third Test in Cape Town in 1997 had been South Africa’s last victory against England. Since then, the English have won six times. Wednesday night’s defeat was by the biggest margin to the English since 2002.
The Spar Proteas tried different strategies and combinations, but nothing seemed to work.
There was, however, some good news for the South African touring squad.
The under-21 team won their Test against England 48-43. The youngsters played brilliantly and surprised even themselves when they came from behind to clinch victory.
However, the seniors didn’t have any answers to an excellent home team. As in the first Test, the hosts dominated the centre court and delivered the ball to their shooters without much trouble. England also continued to close down goal-shooter Sindisiwe Gumede.
The Australian influence is evident in the play of the English side as their coach, Marg Caldow, is a former Australian.
Not one of the South African combinations had the desired effect and nothing seemed to gel. At half-time, there was still hope for the South Africans at 24-28, but a dismal third quarter sealed their fate. Various changes were made and they could only add eight goals to their total, while England netted 21.
England’s Karen Greig, their 24-year-old goal shooter, played in only her ninth Test, but the more experienced South African defenders couldn’t stop this goal machine. Greig was named player of the match.
South Africa’s Anel Mostert (centre) and Nomahlubi Matyila (goalkeeper) made their debut.
The third Test will be contested in Birmingham on Monday night. The South African teams will travel to Glasgow on Thursday for a friendly match against Scotland on Friday. — Sapa