While the Proteas put up a brave fight against the world’s third-ranked team, the Sunshine Girls were too strong for the visitors, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

With the series already decided, South Africa will need to dig deep and regroup heading into the third and final Test to secure a win and build momentum ahead of the Nations Cup, which will be played in England in February.

Jamaica got off to a solid start, leading the Test 18-13 after the first quarter. Despite a valiant effort from the Proteas in the second 15-minute period, the hosts maintained a 34-26 lead at halftime.

Rolene Steutker. Photo: Collin Reid

In the third quarter, the Jamaicans shifted gears and stretched their lead to a 14-goal margin, leading 50-36 going into the final period. The fourth quarter was South Africa’s best of the Test, as they managed to outscore their opponents 12-9. However, the damage was done much earlier in the match, and the hosts were able to close out the Test for the victory.

The Proteas’ primary focus heading into the final Test will be reducing unforced errors and making better use of the scoring opportunities they create.

Despite the disappointing defeat, coach Jenny van Dyk commended her team’s effort and stressed the importance of learning from their mistakes against a highly clinical and stronger opponent.

“Hats off to the Sunshine Girls – they were clinical and left nothing to chance,” said Van Dyk. “We’re learning what it takes to compete with a world-class team. There are valuable lessons to take from this, and I’m proud of how we closed the game by winning the final quarter.”

There was some good news earlier in the day, as the Baby Proteas put on an impressive display to defeat Jamaica’s Under-21 side 49-32, offering a glimpse of a bright future for South African netball. The win ensured that the South African juniors clinched the series 2-0, giving them confidence heading into the Junior Netball World Cup in Gibraltar later this year.

The Proteas will aim to end the series on a high note in the third and final Test on Saturday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg