NEW Zealand Silver Ferns have triumphed over South Africa SPAR Proteas to book a spot in the 2020 Netball Nations Cup in Birmingham. The Silver Ferns went into the clash undefeated against a South African side yet to register a win, but the match proved that either side can stand up at different moments with the SPAR Proteas making a comeback at one stage, only for the Silver Ferns to settle and record a seven-goal win.

New Zealand started the stronger of the two sides, racing out to a three-goal advantage at quarter time with Maia Wilson shooting 11 of a possible 12 goals, while Gina Crampton had eight goal assists from 13 feeds. For the South Africans, the combination of Lenize Potgieter and Lefebre Rademan was working well with the experienced goal shooter scoring five goals from seven attempts, while her teammate had six from eight. Bongiwe Msomi was the key playmaker in the attacking end with seven goal assists from 10 feeds.

New Zealand continued its defensive stronghold in the second term, adding 13 goals to nine. The Silver Ferns headed into the half-time break with a seven-goal advantage as once again the defensive combination of Karin Burger (one intercept) and Jane Watson was doing well. Ine-Mari Venter came onto the court to carry the bulk of the scoring with seven goals from eight attempts, while Potgieter capitalised on both her attempts. Msomi’s work through the midcourt (six assists from seven feeds) was admirable to keep her side in it, while Zanele Vimbela timed her hands to perfection with two key rebounds.

South Africa made its move in the third term as Venter’s high-volume scoring ability helped the Spar Proteas cut the deficit back to three thanks to a 14-10 quarter. Venter shot 12 of her 13 attempts successfully with a 92.3 per cent efficiency. Potgieter managed the two from three, while Msomi had eight goal assists from 11 feeds. Karla Pretorius was managing the side superbly from the back half, now teaming up with fellow Suncorp Super Netball star, Phumza Maweni who immediately had an impact with a rebound in the term. For the Silver Ferns, Te Paea Selby-Rickit came on for Wilson and scored from all five of her chances, while Ameliaranne Ekenasio capitalised on a near-perfect five from six. Whitney Souness helped out with four goal assists from six feeds, but it was clear the side was thrown off a bit with Crampton and Watson both on the bench.

The Silver Ferns held firm though, backing in the side out there with Wilson coming on for Ekenasio, shooting seven goals from eight at 87.5 per cent and Selby-Rickit had four from six as the favourites scored 11-7 to run out 48-41 winners. Burger had two rebounds and an intercept in the final term, while Karaka had one of each, working well with Kimiora Poi (five goal assists from 10 feeds) in the centre. Venter’s goal scoring accuracy faded a little in the last term with just five goals from eight attempts as the Spar Proteas struggled to continue their flow down the court. Shadine van der Merwe had been consistent throughout and picked up another intercept, but the connection between the midcourt and shooters, and the shooters’ accuracy was not as effective as the quarter before and they faded away.

Wilson finished the match with 24 goals from 30 attempts at 80 per cent efficiency, teaming well with both Ekenasio (15 from 18) and Selby-Rickit (nine from 11) in the goal circle. Up the other end, Burger had two rebounds and two intercepts, while Karaka had one of each but also 12 penalties. The strength of the duo allowed them to rest Watson for a half, while Poi finished with 13 assists from 25 feeds in a strong performance. For the Proteas, Venter shone particularly through the middle quarters, finishing with 24 goals from 29 attempts, working best with Potgieter (11 from 15). Msomi was influential for the most part thanks to 23 assists from 31 feeds and an intercept, while van der Merwe had two intercepts and a goal assist too. Pretorius and Maweni combined for three rebounds but 24 intercepts as the pressure was constantly on the defence.

Now the Silver Ferns head into the final in less than 24 hours to take on Jamaica, while the Proteas go head-to-head against the home side, South Africa in the Bronze Medal playoff.

Picture credit: Michael Bradley