South Africa’s netballers conceded their series to higher-ranked Jamaica when they lost the second of their three Internationals to the hosts, 59-47, in their match at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston. Jamaica had won the first encounter 55-47.
However, in the curtain-raiser the roles were reversed as South Africa’s Under-21 unit beat their Jamaican counterparts 49-32 to take a 2-0 lead in their series.
While the senior Proteas put up a brave fight against the world’s third-ranked team, the Sunshine Girls were too strong for the visitors. With the series now decided, South Africa need to regather themselves ahead of the final International.
Jamaica got off to a solid start, leading 18-13 after the first quarter. That lead was nudged from five goals to six by half-time with Jamaica 34-26 in front. In the third quarter, Jamaica stretched their lead to a 14-goal margin, leading 50-36 going into the final period. South Africa fought back in the final quarter, qwinning it 12-9, but had tpoo much of a defivcvit on the scoreboard to claw back.
Coach Jenny van Dyk praised her team and emphasised the importance of learning from their mistakes. “Hats off to the Sunshine Girls. They were clinical and left nothing to chance. We’re learning what it takes to compete with a world-class team. There are valuable lessons to take from this, and I’m proud of how we closed the game by winning the final quarter.”