SA Clinch Netball Series

Adele Niemand takes some heat on attack from Uganda’s Amongin Florence in defence during the second leg of the SPAR Challenge Series, in Pretoria’s Mamelodi Campus Arena. South Africa won 49 – 27. Picture: Reg Caldecott

The President of Netball South Africa, Mimi Mthethwa must have spoken "magic words" to the South Africa team during practice on Tuesday, as a much-improved South Africa Netball team defeated Uganda 49-27 in the second of the three SPAR Challenge Tests on Wednesday night, giving South Africa an unassailable lead in the series.

Compared to the first test, coach Burta de Kock admitted her team put in a much more satisfactory performance. "We learnt from our mistakes in the first Test, and were able to work on overcoming these. There is still work to be done, but a lot of it is tidying up – the basics are more or less in place."

South Africa were 12-5 ahead at the end of the first quarter, and extended their lead to 24-12 at halftime. At the start of the third quarter, De Kock moved captain Bronwyn Bock-Jonathan from wing defence to centre, and brought Precious Mthembu on at wing defence. 

Refiloe Mochaka in action for South Africa against Uganda on Wednesday. Picture: Reg Caldecott

The difference was immediately obvious, as Bock-Jonathan and Mthembu kept the ball flowing towards the circle. "Bronwyn is such an inspirational leader," said De Kock. "Ideally, I would like to have her on court at all times. She has a calming influence and she manages to control the game superbly."

 
South Africa outscored Uganda by 12 goals to five in the third quarter and by 13 to four in the fourth. The Proteas improved throughout the match, with a number of turnovers and intercepts.

Uganda played a fast, physical game, which is what the Proteas are likely to encounter when they take part in the world championships in New Zealand in November.

Christine Markgraaff had an excellent game at goal attack, having moved from goal shooter where she played on Monday. "She knows her role at goal attack so well, and she enjoys the freedom of being able to move around more," said De Kock.

"She and Claudia Basson worked very well together tonight, and once again, it showed that experience always counts for so much. "One of the things we learnt on Monday and again tonight is the importance of sticking to our game plan. As soon as we forget that, things start to go wrong.

"This series has been ideal in helping us to find out where we are going wrong, and how we can do better," De Kock concluded.

The final test will be played in Mamelodi at 19h00 on Friday evening. Entrance to the public is free.