South Africa beat Jamaica by 55 goals to 52 in the ongoing Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England. The Proteas were all over the Jamaicans in the first two quarters but they nearly succumbed to pressure in the last quarter, blowing an eleven goal lead.
The two sides came into this match having already qualified for the next round of the event. They won their first two matches against Trinidad and Tobago and Fiji respectively to book their spots in the second round.
The Proteas beat Trinidad and Tobago 76-45, before walloping Fiji by 90 goals to 35.
There is no doubt that the 5th ranked Norma Plummer-led side has already made their mark in the World Cup. So the battle against the Jamaicans, who are ranked 3rd in the world, was expected to an interesting one.
In the first quarter, the Proteas were all over the Jamaicans. At the first break, the South Africans were enjoying a seven-goal lead. In the second quarter, the Jamaicans were keen to reduce the deficit. But the Proteas were not resting on their laurels either. They kept on pushing for more goals, determined to enjoy a healthy lead over the Jamaicans.
At halftime, South Africa was leading by 32 goals to 21. In the third quarter, the Jamaicans were slowly but surely closing the gap, to Norma Plummer’s frustration.
The South Africans were under immense pressure. Jamaica won the quarter 17-10. The fourth and last quarter was so intense, with Jamaica pushing for the equaliser.
The South Africans engaged another gear as they won the match by 55 goals to 52.
There’s no doubt that the Proteas are improving every time they take to the court.
They will face Uganda in their next match.
