Improved SPAR Proteas Fall Short As Silver Ferns Triumph Again

2025-09-25

The Silver Ferns had to fight hard to win the second test 70-58 against an improved SPAR Proteas team. The home side clinched the 2025 Taini Jamison Trophy played in Napier, New Zealand, on Wednesday, 24 September 2025.

The SPAR Proteas arrived in Napier for the second test as wounded soldiers following their heavy defeat to the world number two side in the opening test in Auckland.  South Africa provided the perfect response to their first test woes with a determined and productive start to the second showdown.  They used their speed and quick passes to their advantage; the visitors enjoyed a two-point lead first before New Zealand could reply.

The game plan from SPAR Proteas seemed to be yielding the desired results as they took control of the quarter.  
However, Silver Ferns clawed their way back into the game, but time wasn’t on their side as SPAR Proteas took the first quarter 15 -14.
This was the first time in ten tests that New Zealand lost a first quarter.

The Silver Ferns kept their momentum in the second quarter and displayed their experience as they were very quick to get off the mark to recover and get back in the game. SPAR Proteas held their own as well and pushed as much as they could; however, it was Silver Ferns who clinched the quarter 20–13 and went into half-time leading 34–28.

Coach van Dyk made further changes and brought in fresh legs and rotated her team slightly. At the end of the quarter, it was the Silver Ferns who enjoyed an insurmountable lead of 53 -42 overall.

In the final quarter, the SPAR Proteas players knew that they had to throw everything at New Zealand to try and regain the lead and try to salvage a win, but sadly, this wasn’t meant to be as the Silver Ferns won the match 70-58. 

SPAR Proteas Head Coach, Jenny van Wyk, said that she was pleased with the performance of her team.

“It was a 100% improvement from the first test, and if we can hold the Silver Ferns to a one-point difference in the first two quarters like today, then we should be able to do the same over four quarters,” said Van Wyk.

“What concerns me is that we had a six-point lead at the start of the match, and instead of capitalising on that all-important lead, we became reckless, and this is something we must work on when being in that position against the top teams of the world.

“Regardless, I am proud of the effort and look forward to improving in the final test.”

The third and final test will be played on Sunday, 28 September 2025, in Invercargill at 09:40 SA time.  The match will be live on SuperSport.

Picture credit: Netball New Zealand

Quarter Score Breakdown

Q1: SPAR Proteas 15 – 14 Silver Ferns
Q2: SPAR Proteas 28 – 34 Silver Ferns
Q3: SPAR Proteas 42 – 53 Silver Ferns
Q4: SPAR Proteas 58 – 70 Silver Ferns

SPAR Proteas Starting VII

GS – Elmere van der Berg; GA – Kamogelo Maseko; WA – Khanyisa Chawane ( C ); C- Tarle Mathe; WD – Shadine van der Merwe; GD – Jamie van Wyk; GK –Sanmarie Visser

Shooting Stats:

Elmere van der Berg 44/47 (94%)

Kamogelo Maseko 14/19 (74%)