Match Report
England Netball
England Netball
Australia made it a clean sweep in the group stage with a professional display against South Africa and in doing so ensured that they set-up a semi-final with England and eliminated the possibility of the Proteas making a late surge into the top four.
Continuing the trend of putting up valiant battles the South African side matched the Diamonds for much of the first quarter and it wasn’t until Susan Pratley started to dominate the attacking circle that the World Champions looked comfortable. At the end of the first quarter, Australia were 8 - 6 ahead.
The Diamonds continued to dominate proceedings in the second quarter, the Proteas weren’t doing much wrong but Australia were exerting so much pressure and forcing the mistakes from their opposition. The mid-court again looking particularly impressive for Lucy Alexander’s side. At half-time the lead had increased to four, 15 – 11 to the Aussies.
Both benches remained calm at the interval and South Africa, possibly scared of the Powerplay following the shut-out against England, joined Australia in waiting for the final six minutes before using it. At the end of the third it was 23 – 15 to the Diamonds and a perfect record was in sight. An improved Powerplay from the Proteas saw them net three times but their opponents responded with six of their own to pull well clear by the time the final whistle sounded.
Australia could now focus on a rematch with England, who they had beaten by three in the opening match of the day. South Africa are now confined to the 5th/6th place play-off against Fiji and will be hoping for a morale boosting win to take home.