CAPE TOWN – The journey started on high for the Spar Proteas as they defeated Wales 61-50 in their first match of the 2023 Netball World Cup at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday.
Early in the game, South Africa started bossing the match, taking a convincing 18-9 lead during the end of the first quarter.
As the day went by, with the Spar Proteas having a late start in the day, 18:00, the venue – the main court – saw that its capacity reached the highest standard.
Fans, out in numbers, motivated the host with celebratory chants as Proteas started banging goals left right and centre – and singing in all corners of the venue.
Even though Wales tried to play catch up as the quarter two started, it was the home side who had the last say going to the interval, leading the match by 32-24.
Norma Plummer’s side managed to carry through countries’ hopes on their shoulders and continued to put more pressure on the Welsh Feathers side.
The upfront combination between goal shooter Ine-Marí Venter and goal attack Elmerè van der Berg has brought Wales to its knees.
The home side managed to hold on to its lead as they walked away with all the points.
South Africa will face Sri Lanka at 16:00 on Saturday, the day of the tournament.
Full time.
South Africa 61-50 Wales
Jamaica 105-25 Sri Lanka #NWC2023 pic.twitter.com/JKkFUF09Wi
— Ayanda Frances Felem (@AyandaFelemZA) July 28, 2023
Results:
South Africa 61-50 Wales
Jamaica 105-25
Image: Netball World Cup
