South Africa were in high spirits after beating Malawi 56-35 in the second test of the SPAR Challenge series at the Good Hope Centre on Monday evening, to take a one-nil lead in the three-Test series.
A much-improved South Africa started strongly, and quickly went into a four-nil lead, only to see Malawi fire five goals in quick succession, but that was the last time Malawi held the lead, as South Africa once again surged ahead to finish the first quarter with a 15-9 lead.
Midway through the second half the home side began showing some of the mistakes that cost them dear in the first match in Polokwane (Saturday), but thanks to some inspired defence by goalkeeper Karin Venter and goal defence Leigh-Ann Zackey, and some accurate shooting by Claudia Basson and Maryka Holtzhausen, South Africa maintained their dominance, and were 31-19 ahead at halftime.
Although Malawi fought back well in the third quarter, which ended 41-29, the Proteas had the bit between their teeth in the final 15, and outscored their visitors by 15 goals to six.
Captain Bronwyn Bock-Jonathan, back in the national team after a four-year absence because of injury, appeared to have shaken off the ring rustiness that hampered her in Polokwane, and had a very good game.
She gave credit to her team following victory, but also said that a lot of hard work lay ahead before the Durban test, and promised a better and more inspired performance by her side on Wednesday evening.
Coach Burta de Kock was much happier at the end of the match than she had been on Saturday. “At least we have broken the losing habit,” she laughed.
“There were still some lapses in concentration, and we’ll have to work on that, but it was a much better performance.
“We worked on speed after the first Test, and that seems to have improved. But there is still plenty we need to work on.”
The third and final Test will be played at the Old Mutual Sports Centre at Howard College in Durban on Wednesday evening.
Final Result: Good Hope Centre, Cape Town
1st quarter: South Africa 15-9 Malawi
2nd quarter: South Africa 30-19 Malawi
3rd quarter: South Africa 41-29 Malawi
Final Score: South Africa 56–35 Malawi
Test Matches:
21 July: Polokwane: South Africa 45-45 Malawi
23 July: Cape Town: South Africa 56-35 Malawi
25 July: Durban (Howard College) – Old Mutual Sports Centre at 19h00
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