Proteas lost their match with Australia in the third and last series. Image: SABC Sport.
(The Post News)– South Africa’s Spar Proteas suffered a 65–42 defeat to Australia in the third and final netball test in Adelaide today, as the Diamonds sealed a clean sweep with a 3–0 series victory.
The world champions maintained their dominance throughout the series, having already claimed wins in the first two matches. They started strongly once again, racing to a 20–11 lead after the first quarter and stretching it to 39–20 by halftime.
The Spar Proteas showed fighting spirit in the third quarter, outscoring the hosts 12–10, but Australia still held a comfortable 49–32 advantage heading into the final period. The Diamonds then regained full control to finish the match in convincing fashion.
Elmeré van der Berg, who will join the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the Super Netball League next year, was the Spar Proteas’ top performer with 20 goals from 22 attempts.
Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane said the team will use the disappointment as motivation to improve. “Disappointment is what fuels us. It is not something that will bring us down. We want to use this as motivation to move forward. It’s an exciting time for us; learning from these experiences, we will definitely come back stronger,” she said.
The result means the Proteas remain without a victory over Australia in 49 Test encounters.
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