Aussie Diamonds Win the Series with a Resounding Defeat of SPAR Proteas

2025-10-09

The Aussie Diamonds clinch the three-match series with a thumping 67-40 victory over the SPAR Proteas on Wednesday in Wollongong, Australia. South Africa made some costly mistakes that allowed the Diamonds victory.

The SPAR Proteas came into the second game of the three-match series with the understanding that they needed to win today to level the series ahead of the final match. Head Coach Jenny van Dyk made a few changes to her starting line up with the likes of Refiloe Nketsa, Nichole Breedt and Sanmarie Visser getting starts. 

South Africa wanted to use their speed to catch the Aussie Diamonds off guard, however the hosts were aware of this plan and were quick to counter it. Tarle Mathe was brought into the game halfway through the first quarter to marshal the midcourt. Errors by the SPAR Proteas did not help their cause as the Aussie Diamonds took the quarter 18 – 11. 

In the second quarter, the Aussie Diamonds continued where they left off at the end of the first quarter, putting the SPAR Proteas under enormous pressure, causing unforced errors. Australia continued piling on the goals at the other end and took the quarter 14 – 11 with an overall lead of 32 -22 at half time. 

Kamogelo Maseko replaced captain Khanyisa Chawane just before half time and in the championship quarter, van Dyk introduced Rolene Streukter and Owethu Ngubane in attack to replace Breedt and van der Berg. Australia exerted more pressure and displayed their experience in this quarter. They continued to dominate the game and extended their lead 50 -30. 

Elmere van der Berg who had been rested took to the court in the last quarter in an attempt to reduce the Australian lead. However, this was not to be as the world champs stood their ground, continuing to pile on the pressure and did not allow the SPAR Proteas to execute their own game plan, At the end of the 60 minutes, it was the Diamonds that took the match 67 – 40 to clinch the series. 

“I am really disappointed with our game today, no excuses will be made. If anything, full accountability is what is needed. The work that we have put in as a team over the past couple of weeks doesn’t justify the performance that we showed today, everyone will be disappointed. There will always be ups and downs, if you’re going to be played number one and two in the world, then you need to brace yourself because they are definitely not waiting for South Africa to catch up and allowing us to just take what they have worked hard for over the years. The Aussies were just dominating in every department, lesson for us is to be always prepared and understand what it means to talk a big game and play one,” said SPAR Proteas Head Coach Jenny van Dyk. 
Picture credit: Lauren Morgan/Netball Australia

Quarter Score Breakdown

•    Q1: SPAR Proteas 11 - 18 Aussie Diamonds
•    Q2: SPAR Proteas 22 - 32 Aussie Diamonds
•    Q3: SPAR Proteas 30 - 50 Aussie Diamonds
•    Q4: SPAR Proteas 40 - 67 Aussie Diamonds

SPAR Proteas Starting VII

GS – Elmere van der Berg; GA – Nichole Breedt; WA – Khanyisa Chawane ( C ); C- Refiloe Nketsa; WD – Shadine van der Merwe; GD – Sanmarie Visser; GK Nicola Smith 

Shooting Stats

Elmere van der Berg 23/28 (82%)

Nichole Breedt 4/8 (50%) 

Owethu Ngubane 4/5 (80%)

Rolene Streukter 9/11 (82%)