The Vitality Roses bounced back to take a 49-42 win against hosts South Africa in the third-place play-off.
England’s most capped player Jade Clarke made history by becoming the first player in world netball to make 200 appearances for a single country. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Funmi Fadoju produced a stellar defensive display to take Player of the Match.
Quarter one: Similar to the last meeting between the two sides three days ago, the Vitality Roses started off on top. Goal keeper Geva Mentor helped put her side on the front foot, producing a superb take and flying out from the circle edge to clutch the ball out of the air. England rallied and thanks to another fine interception from Fran Williams, making her first start in the series, went on to score six unanswered goals.
Helped by the support from those in the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the Proteas stormed back as they capitalised on a couple of unforced errors from the Vitality Roses attack. Moving the ball quickly through the court, within a matter of minutes, South Africa had reduced the gap and the two sides went into the first interval all square.
Quarter two: Imogen Allison came in at centre for Jade Clarke and Olivia Tchine, making her second appearance against South Africa in this series, entered the game in place of Housby, as Cardwell dropped back into goal attack. Tchine made an immediate impact, sinking her first shot in front of the post.
Using the energy from the crowd, the Proteas fought back again as the experienced Phumza Maweni began to assert her presence on Tchine, getting ahead of the London Pulse shooter in front of the circle. At the other end, Nichole Taljaard impressed the crowd with some attacking creativity, showing off with a post pass to set herself closer to goal.
As the hosts began to work their way back level, Head Coach Jess Thirlby rotated the seven, bringing Funmi Fadoju into defence with Guscoth and Mentor. The new defensive combination, who have operated well as a unit this series, put pressure on the Proteas attack and after a string of close turnover opportunities were finally awarded for their resilience as Potgieter surrendered the ball in the circle with footwork. Elle McDonald came in at wing attack for Nat Metcalf as the Vitality Roses varied their attacking combinations and helped England to edge ahead to 25-23 at the break.
Quarter three: Back on during her 200th game as a Vitality Rose, Clarke returned at centre as Allison moved back to wing defence in place of Guscoth. Housby also returned to the court in place of Cardwell as the Vitality Roses switched to a taller shooting circle. Credited for their grit and determination this series, the Proteas worked their way back to level terms once again as they patiently swung the ball around the circle edge waiting for opportunities to take the ball to the post. But as the half wore on, Fadoju helped her side to cut the Proteas’ rhythm by making critical turnovers. Neither side could take advantage as the two sides played out an 11-11 quarter going into a vital last 15 minutes.
Quarter four: Guscoth returned at wing defence as the Vitality Roses looked to tighten up the defence and limit South Africa’s speed into the circle. Up top, Cardwell reunited with Housby and Metcalf, and the familiar trio combined well to help open up a five-goal lead for the Vitality Roses.
Looking for a reply, South Africa Head Coach Norma Plummer enlisted Ine-Mari Venter to join Potgieter in the attack as the Proteas doubled up with two experienced shooters in the circle. Unphased, Fadoju continued to exhibit her aerial ability producing two fantastic takes in the defensive third as the Vitality Roses capitalised and stretched their lead to seven with just under five minutes to play. Alice Harvey joined in on the action as all of the Vitality Roses’ game day squad of 12 made it on to court and helped her side keep their shape as they held on to take a 49-42 win.
Captain Nat Metcalf commented after the game: “I’m really proud that we got the win today; it was really important for us. We wanted to finish this campaign with a win, playing the Roses style and the Roses game.
“We spoke about moments in the match and we wanted to stop opening up and letting teams back into games. We wanted to keep building our lead, show that winning mindset and exhibit that we can perform under pressure and I’m really proud that we did that today.”
Player of the Match Funmi Fadoju said: “It was amazing to be out there. It was a really tight contest and both sides came out firing.
Speaking about London Pulse teammate Jade Clarke and her 200th cap landmark, she added: “It’s amazing! She’s a brilliant person. She helps me out a lot on court and it’s incredible to be playing behind her.”
Vitality Roses starting seven: Geva Mentor (GK), Francesca Williams (GD), Layla Guscoth (WD), Jade Clarke (C), Natalie Metcalf (WA), Helen Housby (GA), Eleanor Cardwell (GS)
Substitutes: Imogen Allison, Funmi Fadoju, Alice Harvey, Elle McDonald, Olivia Tchine
South Africa Proteas starting seven: Phumza Maweni (GK), Karla Pretorius (GD), Khanyisa Chawane (WD), Bongiwe Msomi (C), Izette Griesel (WA), Nichole Taljaard (GA), Lenize Potgieter (GS)
Substitutes: Nomfundo Mngomezulu, Refiloe Nketsa, Shadine van der Merwe, Ine-Mari Venter, Zanele Vimbela
Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thilrby said after the game: “It wasn’t the prettiest of wins but I think given the journey we’ve had this series it was a good way for us to finish and show that grit which I think this team has become known for.
“There were some great passages of play and some real togetherness today. The team's cohesion and loyalty to one another is unquestionable.”
Captain Nat Metcalf commented: “I’m really proud that we got the win today; it was really important for us. We wanted to finish this campaign with a win, playing the Roses style and the Roses game.
“We spoke about moments in the match and we wanted to stop opening up and letting teams back into games. We wanted to keep building our lead, show that winning mindset and exhibit that we can perform under pressure and I’m really proud that we did that today.”
Reflecting on her 200th cap, Jade Clarke said: “It’s such a nice feeling. You don’t always get the opportunity to look back at what you’ve done. There are so many people who have been part of my journey and have helped me to live my dream.
“As a team [Vitality Roses] we go through so many ups and downs but we keep believing in each other and a game like today is a really great way to finish this test series.”
Player of the Match Funmi Fadoju said: “It was amazing to be out there. It was a really tight contest and both sides came out firing.
Speaking about London Pulse teammate Jade Clarke and her 200th cap landmark, she added: “It’s amazing! She’s a brilliant person. She helps me out a lot on court and it’s incredible to be playing behind her.”
