The SPAR Proteas hosted the England Vitality Roses in a three match test series, which saw the two sides each claim a victory before the Proteas sealed a dominant victory to take the series 2-1 in their final test match ahead of this summer’s Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The series was vital in offering both sides an important opportunity to test combinations, build depth and gain valuable exposure against top-level opposition. For England, the series formed part of their ongoing international programme as they continue to develop squad depth, while South Africa used it as a chance to build momentum on home soil, as they continue to establish themselves as a consistent force on the international stage.
Series recap
First Test: South Africa 52-48 England
South Africa opened the series with a 52-48 victory in a tightly contested first match. The Proteas seized early momentum after Vitality Roses established a 6-3 lead, building on disciplined defence and efficient possession use in the first quarter. Whilst the Roses fought back in patches, such as in the third quarter, with six unanswered goals giving the visitors a one-goal lead, errors and unwanted turnovers allowed South Africa to maintain a narrow advantage.
Sanmarie Visser’s defensive work and physical presence through the midcourt helped the Proteas repel repeated English forays into their circle, which earned her the Player of the Match award after 6 deflections and 3 intercepts. Elmeré van der Berg’s composure under pressure provided South Africa with attacking stability as they kept their shooting percentage at 85% at the match’s conclusion.
Second Test: England 61-49 South Africa
England responded emphatically in the second match, winning 61-49 to level the series. Adjustments to England’s attacking structure, paired with improved distribution through the midcourt, paid dividends as the Roses found cleaner lines into the circle and maintained pressure on turnover opportunities. Unlike the first test, the Proteas threw away possession and struggled with passes into the circle, which cut their lead to 27-26 by halftime. The Roses took control after the break and were rewarded with an eight-goal advantage heading into the final quarter as South Africa failed to stage a comeback following their strong start.
Lois Pearson’s movement and link play with her attackers (when at goal attack and wing attack) stood out, providing continuity across England’s transitions as the attack for the Roses kept a 86% shooting accuracy (an improvement from their 73% in game one). Fran Williams was instrumental in the defence, leading with authority, making crucial interceptions and organising the back end effectively, deflecting 7 shots and receiving 7 centre passes, earning the Player of the Match.
Third Test: South Africa 65-50 England
The series decider saw the Proteas deliver a dominant performance, sealing a 65-50 victory to secure a historic series win. The tone was set early by South Africa, racing to a 16–9 first-quarter lead and extending their advantage to 23–14 at halftime through relentless defensive pressure and high-tempo attacking play. England showed greater resistance in the third quarter, briefly stemming South Africa’s momentum, but the hosts responded strongly in the final term. The Proteas’ bench depth and continued defensive intensity disrupted England’s rhythm, allowing South Africa to regain control and close out the match convincingly in front of a home crowd, with a 86% shooting percentage.
Owethu Ngubane produced a Player of the Match performance with a 73% shooting accuracy and 12 assists throughout the match, showing the strength and depth of the Proteas’ attacking end.
Best Players of the 2026 SPAR Challenge
Player of the Tournament: Sanmarie Visser
Best Shooter: Owethu Ngubane
Best Mid-Court Player: Tarle Mathe
Best Defender: Fran Williams
What’s Next
The SPAR Challenge Series delivered three highly competitive fixtures that gave both sides valuable minutes in match conditions. England leave Johannesburg with combinations to build on, while South Africa can take positives from their aggressive defensive moments and attacking link play.
Looking ahead, both teams will build on the lessons from this series as they prepare for the upcoming domestic seasons ahead of this summer’s Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Leave a Reply