South Africa finished in last place at the Fast 5 Netball World Series event in Melbourne, Australia. The South Africans fought hard, but managed just one win over the series’ two days.
They lost to England by 35 goals to 33, in the fifth- and sixth place playoff.
#Fast5WorldSeries
SOUTH AFRICA 33-35 ENGLANDTough day at the office for our #SAFast5 team. They gave it their ALL, but today just not our turn to shine in matches which could’ve gone either way… England claim fifth place and South Africa sixth. #WeAreAllIn pic.twitter.com/opivoKbLIJ
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) October 28, 2018
New Zealand were crowned champions after narrowly beating Jamaica 34-33 in the final.
Here are your 2018 #Fast5WorldSeries champions. pic.twitter.com/nqFEZVYeIP
— Fast5 World Series (@Fast5Netball) October 28, 2018
After a win against defending champions, England on day one, continental rivals, Malawi, were up first for the South Africans on the second and final day.
Eager to earn bragging rights over the Malawians the South Africans made life difficult for their opponents throughout and Malawi enjoyed a narrow 13-11 at half-time.
Malawi then dominated the third quarter and stretched their lead to 27-14 going into the break.
But South Africa fought back and eventually drew level at 32-all.
But Jane Chimaliro’s shot on the buzzer handed Malawi a tough 33-32 win against a determined South Africa.
#Fast5WorldSeries
MALAWI 33-32 SOUTH AFRICAMalawi taking it on the buzzer, still what a pulsating match it was! More action from South Africa when they take on Australia (LIVE SuperSport SS9 05:25)!#WeAreAllIn pic.twitter.com/vlW7bGZnrc
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) October 28, 2018
Next up was Australia which completely dominated the South Africans.
The Aussies recorded a comfortable 50-20 win, their biggest victory in the series this year.
#Fast5WorldSeries
AUSTRALIA 50-20 SOUTH AFRICADominant performance by Australia, hard luck for our #SAFast5 team. South Africa will now play-off for fifth/sixth spot (LIVE SuperSport SS9 08:00).#WeAreAllIn pic.twitter.com/moI7RHBW1d
— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) October 28, 2018
Finally, South Africa had to face England for the last-place playoff, another tough customer for the South Africans. But not unbeatable.
There were missed opportunities for the South Africans who gave the English a run for their money.
And England led 14-10 at half-time. The match also proved to be a nail-biter.
With 33 seconds to go South Africa were up 33-31 but England’s George Fisher had the last say.
Renske Stoltz’ final attempt in the dying seconds missed giving England a 35-33 win and fifth spot in this year’s series.
But South Africa was praised for their gritty performances:
“Obviously losing with 2 and 1 point happened a lot to us. I wish we could have pulled those through,” says Stoltz
In the series final New Zealand narrowly beat Jamaica 34-33 in an entertaining clash; their 7th world series title overall.
