The Spar Proteas turned on the style to beat England by the barest of margins, levelling the series ahead of the decider on Sunday.
After narrowly falling to the Roses 54-51 in the first Test, the Proteas set their sights on victory in Nottingham, and did just that as they finished 61-59 victors.
Your Starting7 for the 2nd Test against the Vitality Roses! 🏴🆚🇿🇦
Forever United behind the SPAR Proteas! 🙌#SPARProteas pic.twitter.com/5vnYs2VRNr
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) December 9, 2023
Testament to both sides not giving an inch during the series, it was all level after the first quarter came to a close.
🏴🆚🇿🇦
𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁
𝗤𝟭We’re tied after the first 15min with lots of attacking and defensive pressure from the SPAR Proteas. 💪
ENGLAND 16
SOUTH AFRICA 16#SPARProteas pic.twitter.com/dDuRBjO6M5— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) December 9, 2023
The Proteas managed to snatch a slender lead during the second quarter, leading by four points at half time.
🏴🆚🇿🇦
𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁
𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲The SPAR Proteas lead by 4 after a very tight first half. Let’s GO team! 🙌
ENGLAND 30
SOUTH AFRICA 34#SPARProteas pic.twitter.com/6wa07fW2Fs— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) December 9, 2023
With neither side letting up, the Proteas desperately clung to their marginal lead as England trailed by only five points heading into the final quarter.
🏴🆚🇿🇦
𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁
𝗤𝟯Maintaining our lead at the end of the championship quarter. 💪 All to play for in the last 15min! 🔥
ENGLAND 42
SOUTH AFRICA 47#SPARProteas📸 @_morganharlow pic.twitter.com/KaCAalcaFJ
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) December 9, 2023
But it was the Proteas that finished on top after coming away with a rollercoaster two-point win to turn the third Test into a decider.
🏴🆚🇿🇦
𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔! 🙌
Both countries with a win apiece. The 3rd Test on Sunday (10 Dec.) will decide the series winner! 💪#SPARProteas
📸 @_morganharlow pic.twitter.com/b346W8xrHv
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) December 9, 2023
Photo: X/@Netball_SA