ENGLAND has finished its 2023 Quad Series off on a high with a 49-42 win over South Africa to finish third at the tournament. It was a tight affair for much of the match, but England stepped it up in the last quarter to take the win.

Poor passing in the attacking third from the Roses early saw the Proteas capitalise and go two-nil up before England got one on the board.

The Roses lead did not last long though as England scored off the next two centre passes to level things up. Helen Housby was on fire from long range and the reward was that England then raced ahead, scoring seven in a row to assert its dominance on the game.

Off the back of some great defensive work from Khanyisa Chawane, South Africa responded and suddenly the scores were level with just under two minutes left in the quarter. South Africa held a single goal lead inside the final minute, but a dying seconds goal from Housby ensured the scores were tied at the first change.

England made a few changes to its attacking end to begin the second quarter, and it seemed to work early with the Roses taking the lead. However the lead was not a big one so they could not afford to rest on their laurels. As such once the South Africans gained a bit of confidence and momentum they were able to level up proceedings once again.

Neither side could shake the other for much of the quarter, but England snatched a few goals late to take a two goal lead into the main break. Although England extended its lead further early in the third quarter, South Africa was not going to go away quietly and as such were able to level things up again minutes later. However, the English were able to respond their lead and maintain it for the rest of the quarter.

Even though both teams scored 11 goals each for the term, it meant the English lead remained at two at the final change. The final quarter was where things started to open up for the Roses. The Proteas attack end had not learnt their lesson to avoid high passes in the presence of Funmi Fadoju and the Roses were punishing them up the other end with getting score on the board.

It forced the South Africans to change up their shooting circle and go for the twin towers of Lenize Potgieter and Ine-Mari Venter, but it did not work. Housby and Eleanor Cardwell were working too well together, and were well supported by Jade Clarke and Natalie Metcalf so the Proteas were unable to reel in the lead.

ENGLAND           12 | 13 | 11 | 13 (49)
SOUTH AFRICA  12 | 11 | 11 | 8 (42)

Starting Sevens

England

GS: Eleanor Cardwell
GA: Helen Housby
WA: Natalie Metcalf
C: Jade Clarke
WD: Layla Guscoth
GD: Francesa Williams
GK: Geva Mentor

South Africa

GS: Lenize Potgieter
GA: Nichole Taljaard
WA: Izette Griesel
C: Bongiwe Msomi
WD: Khanyisa Chawane
GD: Karla Pretorius
GK: Phumza Maweni