SOUTH Africa has turned the tables on the English Roses, downing the hosts 61-59 in a nail-biter. In a match that was as tight as the final score would suggest, the final result was not clear until the dying seconds of the match.

England took its turnover chances early and did not take long to break the South African centre pass. The Roses raced out to an early lead, but then South Africa’s defence rose and the SPAR Proteas benefitted up the other end and equalised proceedings.

England then regained the lead, but with Rolene Streutker nailing long range shots it was not long before the SPAR Proteas were able to level proceedings again. Both shooting ends were employing very different strategies but were both working just as well as the game remained tight right throughout the opening term. As such the game level when quarter time came around.

The game remained tight early in the second term, with the lead changing several times. The speed of the full court transition from both sides was particularly impressive, as both sides were able to get the ball down the court quickly but in a very controlled manner.

As the quarter progresse,d the game remained tight as neither side was able to get more than a few goals ahead. However South Africa pulled away late to take a four-goal lead into the main break.

England started the second half strongly, and got within one goal of the visitors before the South Africans settled. However as quick as the English got back into the game the South Africans reestablish a solid lead.

As much as the likes of Jayda Pechova were holding up their end of the bargain in defence for England, the defensive pressure from the likes of Jeante Strydom meant that England’s passing in attack was not as sharp as it had been earlier in the game and targets were not being hit.

The confidence with which the South Africans were playing helped them have a lead as much as about seven goals late in the term, but a late Roses resurgence saw the margin sit at five goals at the final change.

England certainly got the much better start to the final quarter of the two teams, with some strong defensive pressure from the Roses causing some sloppy passes from the SPAR Proteas and the Roses really capitalised. This also saw the Roses level up proceedings halfway through the term.

England held a narrow lead for much of the last quarter, but it was never more than a goal or two as South Africa kept in touch with its host.

It really went down to the wire, but thanks to a strong defensive intercept from Karla Pretorius helped South Africa score the last two goals of the match to take the win.  

ENGLAND            16 | 14 | 12 | 17 (59)
SOUTH AFRICA  16 | 18 | 13 | 14 (61)

STARTING SEVENS

England

GS: Eleanor Cardwell
GA: Berri Neil
WA: Hannah Joseph
C: Imogen Allison
WD: Funmi Fadoju
GD: Fran Williams
GK: Halimat Adio

South Africa

GS: Rolene Streutker
GA: Kamogelo Maseko
WA: Khanyisa Chawane
C: Refiloe Nketsa
WD: Jeante Strydom
GD: Karla Pretorius
GK: Nicola Smith