Returning to Ellis Park for the first time since 2024, the SPAR Proteas held off England’s Vitality Roses 52-48, with a milestone moment for Nicola Smith.
Johannesburg, South Africa (30 January 2026) – The SPAR Proteas made a confident start to their SPAR Challenge netball series against England’s Vitality Roses on Thursday night, claiming a 52-48 win in front of a home crowd.
The opening minutes saw a few nerves from the South Africans, returning to Ellis Park for the first time since 2024, but the team quickly found their rhythm, producing some slick attacking moves and an impressive defence from Sanmarie Visser and Juanita van Tonder. By the end of the first quarter, South Africa had turned the deficit around to lead 16-12. The hosts maintained their intensity through the second quarter, holding a four-goal advantage at halftime.
A standout moment came with Nicola Smith, who earned her 50th Test cap, stepping into the goalkeeper position in the third quarter and maintaining intense defensive pressure. Nicola, who made her international debut against Malawi in 2020, was pivotal in helping her side hold on. The third quarter also saw Kamogelo Maseko taking over at goal attack.
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In the fourth quarter, the Proteas regained full control, that ultimately saw them claim a hard fought 52-48 victory.
Head Coach Jenny van Dyk praised her team’s composure.
“We had great momentum in that first quarter. In the second quarter, we stayed in it, and we knew after half-time that they were going to come out with a full counterplan.”
The challenge continues and the Vitality Roses will definitely be fighting back as the two sides meet again with the second Test scheduled for Saturday, 31 January at 5pm, followed by the third on Sunday, 1 February at 4pm, promising more high-intensity netball action.
Sources: Netball South Africa
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