England drew 46-46 with hosts South Africa in a thrilling Quad Series fixture; Roses now needs to beat New Zealand on Tuesday and hope other results go their way to have any chance of reaching the final; Australia take on New Zealand later on Sunday
Last update: 01/22/23 17:29
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Netball Quad Series clash between South Africa and England
Highlights of the Netball Quad Series clash between South Africa and England
England’s hopes of reaching the Quad Series final were dealt a blow when hosts South Africa scored in the dying seconds to earn a dramatic 46-46 draw.
After the scores were level at half time, South Africa pulled out a three-point lead going into the fourth quarter, but the Roses were back in the lead going into the final seconds in Cape Town.
However, despite being down a player in the closing stages after Phumza Maweni was sent off for overly aggressive defence, South Africa equalized when Lenize Potgieter showed great composure to score the final kick of the game.
The result leaves England winless after two games, having lost Saturday’s opener to Australia, and with their fate out of their hands. To reach the final, England will need to beat New Zealand on Tuesday and hope other results go their way.
“I think we had a moment to win that game, and that’s really hard to take,” England captain Natalie Metcalf said.
Lenize Potgieter scored the crucial late equalizer for South Africa
“Thank you to our girls for getting back into that game. I think we were up there at times and we have to see how we keep pushing and building those tracks.”
“But credit to South Africa for putting up a really strong game today.”
The Roses got off to a bright start as Funmi Fadoju kept up his brilliant defensive play to help open up an early five goal lead.
However, South Africa responded well and capitalized on a couple of England errors to hold a 13-12 lead late in the quarter, much to the delight of a vociferous home crowd.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Funmi Fadoju showed off his quick reaction skills with two impressive interceptions against South Africa
A steadier second quarter saw Potgieter lead the scoring for South Africa, ending the half having made all 15 tries, but England were able to level the score at 23–23.
South Africa came out into the second half with more intensity, and strong defensive play helped them establish a three-goal lead in the last 15 minutes.
South Africa looked to be closing in on victory by extending their lead to five points with just eight minutes to go, but the Roses finally found some flow when they needed it most.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
England’s Sophie Drakeford-Lewis equalized against South Africa just before the half-time whistle
Imogen Allison began to dominate midfield as the Roses returned to par, while South Africa were further troubled by a warning to Maweni for overzealous defending.
More scores were traded to level the scores before Maweni was handed a suspension, which the Roses immediately took advantage of to take the lead.
England then denied South Africa’s first attempt at an equalizer, but were then unable to score against their weakened opponents, offering one last chance, with which Potgieter was not wrong.
Quadruple series: Full program, live on sky sports
The Netball Quad Series returns as England take on South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, all live. sky sports from January 21 to January 25.
January 22: New Zealand vs Australia (Sky Sports Arena, 15:30)
January 24: England vs New Zealand (Sky Sports Arena, 1:30 p.m.), South Africa vs Australia (Sky Sports Arena, 3:30 p.m.)
January 25: Quad Series final and play-off 3 vs 4 (Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports Arena, 1:30 p.m.)
