Norma Plummer during the 2017 Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League game between the Diamonds and Kingdom Stars at Mangaung Outdoor Sports Centre, Bloemfontein File. Spar Proteas coach Norma Plummer, in her last game in charge of the side, saw South Africa go down 53-50 to host England in their Vitality Netball Series clash. Picture: Frikkie Kapp/BackpagePix
South Africa lost 53-50 to hosts England in the third match of the Vitality Netball Series in Nottingham on Sunday.
The win meant England claimed the three-match series 2-1.
Spar Proteas coach Norma Plummer, in her last game in charge of the side, made only one change from the team that started the second match with Phumza Maweni starting ahead of the injured Nicola Smith.
The clash began with the hosts neutralising the Proteas’ fast-paced game, forcing them to commit more errors. England ended the first quarter leading 16 - 11.
In the second quarter, England continued to exert more pressure on South Africa as the Proteas had to fight to win the quarter 14–13.
The Proteas made two changes in the third quarter with Bongiwe Msomi coming in for Khanyisa Chawane and Jeante Strydom was replaced by Boitumelo Mahloko. It ended up being another tight quarter, locked at 13-13 to bring the score to 42-38 in favour of England.
In the last quarter Ine Mari Venter came in for Rolene Streutker and Owethu Ngubane replaced Kamogelo Maseko for South Africa.
South Africa turned the ball over often but they still managed to take the final quarter 12-11. It was just not enough though, as England held on for the three-point triumph, and series honours.
“I have had the privilege of working with the best bunch of players in this South African team,” said Plummer.
“It is unfortunate we did not win the series, but I can assure you that we have built something here and I can only hope that the team grows from here. I’d like to wish the team well and thank them for a great second stint. The time is now for Netball South Africa and netball in South Africa to grow.
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