Silver Ferns overpower SPAR Proteas with fast finish
The Silver Ferns followed up their opening win of the series against England looking to consolidate combinations and maintain their intensity. But it took time to gain the upper hand over the plucky South Africans.
Gaining the ascendancy in the second half after a slow start, the Silver Ferns were forced into grind mode before producing a powerful push in the run home when showing improvement across all areas.
Still in the early stages of her international career, goal attack Ameliaranne Ekenasio had an influential outing for the Silver Ferns. Agile and accurate, Ekenasio was a major contributor with her all-round play and shooting return of 35 goals from 40 attempts.
South Africa showed their growing improvement with a challenging and confident opening.
Experienced centre Erin Burger was at her best in setting up the mobile shooting combination of Lenize Potgieter and Renske Stoltz who proved accurate and reliable finishers as they nudged the visitors into the lead.
At the other end, goalkeeper Pumza Maweni kept dangerous Silver Ferns shooter Bailey Mes under tight wraps. With the Silver Ferns lacking volume, Ekenasio was a model of consistency for the New Zealanders, slotting a perfect 11 from 11 as South Africa went to the first break with a 16-14 lead.
Following a midcourt reshuffle where Laura Langman moved into centre and Kayla Cullen came off the bench, along with the introduction of goalkeeper Jane Watson, the Silver Ferns slowly found their feet with an improved second stanza.
Producing more flow on attack and with captain Katrina Grant picking off extra ball on defence, the Silver Ferns hit the front for the first time six minutes out from halftime.
The elegant Ekenasio continued to impress with her accuracy and ability to turn and shoot from anywhere as the home team headed into the main break more comfortably placed when leading 32-27.
Despite good turnover gains from Langman and Cullen, the Silver Ferns could not completely shake the gritty and determined SPAR Proteas on the resumption.
South Africa were rewarded for executing the basics well with a positive showing during the stanza. The Silver Ferns lacked accuracy at times on attack but more involvement from Mes helped the home team hold the edge when leading 51-39 at the last break before fully unleashing.