Belfast, Northern Ireland – The SPAR Proteas put together an improved performance on Friday evening at the European Netball Championships when they beat hosts Northern Ireland 47-37 in the last scheduled game on day two in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Despite an energetic start to the game by South Africa, the SPAR Proteas looked an improved outfit from Thursday where they struggled to beat Scotland and lost convincingly to tournament favorites England.
Constructive attacking play and solid defense lead to a 14-11 lead by South Africa at first quarter. Unnecessary bad feeds and wrong options by South Africa in the second quarter gave Northern Ireland the opportunity to catch up to a one goal lead at half time. Constructive changes put the Proteas again on a winning path for the third and fourth quarters which were won by South Africa.
Protea Coach, Bennie Saayman said “intelligent thinking of experienced players made the difference. South Africa deserved to win by 10 goals”.
“Although we went out determined I felt we made a slow start to the game, but an improved performance by the whole squad. There was some great play from young players taking the court in a starting line and great composure from experienced players” said Protea Captain, Maryka Holtzhausen after victory.
Holtzhausen admitted her team still needed to get their error rate down especially in the defensive end but she said she was all in all proud of the girls for an improved performance.
On Saturday evening the SPAR Proteas come up against Wales. The Welsh are well known for physical play could post a danger to the South African’s.
“ We are definitely expecting a more physical game from Wales. We looking to keep on improving as a squad, focusing on our game plan and implementing it for a longer periods” said Holtzhausen.
Saayman said that with enough energy and commitment her team can beat Wales. “My team proved against Northern Ireland they can ensure constructive and attractive play so the plan is to better that against Wales on Saturday”.