Vitality Roses vs. South Africa SPAR Proteas in game two at the Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham. Credit: Morgan Harlow
It all comes down to the final match. After two closely contested tests, this final game will decide who will take home the trophy for the Vitality Netball International Series.
Game one was taken by the Vitality Roses as the Netball World Cup silver medallists marked their home return with a three-goal win in front of a record crowd at the AO Arena in Manchester.
South Africa Head Coach Norma Plummer rung the changes for the second test and it paid off as the SPAR Proteas snatched a late two-goal victory – their first win against their opponents on English soil since January 2019.
Ones to watch:
England’s most capped player for this series Eleanor Cardwell enjoyed one of her best matches in a Roses dress in game two, despite the defeat. The 29 year-old sh00ter was a focal point in the Vitality Roses attack and put up 38 goals, missing just one attempt to finish with a 97% shooting percentage.
Berri Neil played a superb supporting role, putting up 21 out of 23, her best shooting percentage in a Roses dress, but the pair’s performance was overshadowed by South Africa’s Rolene Streutker. Playing just her third international game, the 23-year-old was solid as a rock in the SPAR Proteas shooting end, shooting at 100% in the second and fourth quarters and scoring 49 out of 51 across the match which ultimately earned her Vitality Player of the Match.
Her impressive performance under the post was complimented by the movement and ball speed of the SPAR Proteas’ midcourt, particularly Khanyisa Chawane. The wing attack finished with the joint-most feeds across the game with 23, made two pick ups and put relentless pressure on England’s defence.
Despite coming off with a knock midway through the second quarter, Imogen Allison managed to return to court in the fourth quarter and played a pivotal role in helping her side coming back from five down after the final break to level the scores late on in the fourth quarter.
Where to watch:
Tune in to the third and final match of the Vitality Netball International Series live on Sky Sports Arena, Mix and YouTube from 13:45. Fans in South Africa can watch the action on SuperSport and fans elsewhere around the world can watch the final test through Netball Pass for £9.99.
Keep up to date with what’s happening inside the England camp by following us on our socials: @EnglandNetball.
