England Victory in the first test against South Africa!

Many of Netball South West’s Regional Management Board were in Birmingham on Monday night (22nd January 07) to support England’s National team against South Africa.  Directors Heather Crouch, Sally Horrox, Jean Davies, Gilly Salter along with Regional Manager Kathryn Crago and Regional Administrator Rebecca Ward witnessed England’s crushing 67-30 victory over South Africa in the first test at the NIA.

South Africa’s young side came out strong from the first whistle, with circle defenders Adele Niemand and Leigh Ann Zackey doing an excellent job to deny England’s shooters possession. England ended the first quarter 14-10 in front, thanks to some excellent interaction between Karen Atkinson, Jo Binns and Pamela Cookey.

The South West’s Geva Mentor (TeamBath) at GK was working hard to move South Africa’s giant GS Sindi Gumede to the top of the circle, denying the overhead feed, while South West’s Pam Cookey (TeamBath) displayed fantastic speed and vision at GA.  Half time score: England 30 South Africa 16.

The third quarter was all about England as they stretched the lead once more, to 46-23 at three quarter time.

England coach Marg Caldow introduced South West’s Rachel Dunn (TeamBath) at GS for the final quarter, but England’s attack did not falter. The TeamBath combination of Dunn, Cookey and Greenway was inspired, using speed and understanding to create a host of shooting opportunities. England took the match 67-30.

Starting line ups:
England: GS Louisa Brownfield, GA Pamela Cookey, WA Jo Binns, C Karen Atkinson, WD Jade Clarke, GD Amanda Newton, GK Geva Mentor
Changes/substitutions: 2nd Q: Atkinson to WA, Clarke to C, Newton to WD, GD Mkoloma, 3rd Q: WA Greenway, Atkinson to C
South Africa: GS Sindi Gumede, GA Annari Store, WA Nana Mochaka, C Erin Burger, WD Karen Venter, GD Leigh Ann Zackey, GK Adele Niemand
Changes/substitutions: 2nd Q: Burger to WA, Venter to C, WD Precious Mthembu, 3rd Q: Mochaka to WA, Burger to C, Venter to WD, GD Anchen du Plessis, 4th Q: GA Rusky Mthethwa, Store to WA, Zackey to GD
Shooting statistics:
England: Brownfield 26/31 = 84%, Cookey 28/34 = 82%, Dunn 13/17 = 76%
Team: 67/82 = 82%
South Africa: Gumede 22/29 = 76%, Store 6/6 = 100%, Mthethwa 2/2 = 100%
Team: 30/37 = 81%