Despite a gallant effort, the SPAR Proteas succumbed to a 61-55 loss in a thrilling Nations Cup final played at the Copper Box Arena in London, England.
The match, attended by a sell-out crowd of 7 000 spectators, was always expected to be a nail-biting final after both teams engaged in a closely contested clash a week ago in which South Africa beat the hosts 61-59.
This was the SPAR Proteas toughest challenge in the tournament, playing the hosts at home for the title.
The Proteas started the game impressively with Sanmarie Visser (GK) making life difficult for the English goal shooters in the circle.
South Africa held England throughout the first quarter, leading 15-12 going into the break.
However, the England Roses quickly regrouped and demonstrated remarkable skill in the second quarter closing the gap.
After two missed attempts at goal from South Africa, the host nation levelled the score and then took the lead.
With England leading 26-23 and four minutes remaining in the second quarter, South Africa needed to regain control.
However, they struggled with several turnovers, allowing England to extend their lead to 30-28 by halftime.
In the first half, the team recorded 16 turnovers.
For comparison, South Africa had only 15 turnovers throughout the entire game against Malawi on Saturday.
England continued to build momentum in the third quarter, extending their lead to six points.
South Africa encountered a difficult six minutes in the third quarter when centre Refiloe Nketsa was sent off court for dangerous play.
This situation gave England a significant advantage.
However, instead of faltering with a player down, South Africa remained resilient and aggressively pushed forward scoring two goals, but England managed to maintain a four-point lead.
Despite being a player down, the SPAR Proteas fought valiantly, narrowing the gap from six points to three by the end of the quarter, which concluded 46-43 in favour of England.
South Africa battled back, to level the score at 46-46, but England responded by pulling ahead by six points and held on to secure the victory 61-55.
Coach Jenny van Dyk praised her team for standing their ground even when outnumbered in the third quarter.
“At the end of the day, coming back into the game with only six players on board, I just thought that was the true South African character and our nation’s spirit.
It’s about finishing strong, and we said it from the start that it was important for us to stay in the game, and I felt that we did,” said van Dyk
