Sporting Triumph: Proteas Conquer England in Historic Netball Series Win
The SPAR Proteas claim a historic 2-1 series win over the England Roses at Ellis Park: Spar
The SPAR Proteas have etched their names into the history books following a dominant performance against the England Roses, clinching the International Netball Test Series 2–1. The final match, held on Sunday, February 1, at a sold-out Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg, saw the South African side secure a convincing 65–50 victory.
This triumph marks a significant milestone for South African netball, signaling the team’s rise as a top-tier global contender under their revamped high-performance structure.
A Clinical Performance at Ellis Park
After a grueling series that saw both teams trade blows, the Proteas saved their best for last. The final showdown was characterized by clinical shooting and a stifling defensive effort that left the world-renowned “Roses” struggling for rhythm.
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The Turning Point: A massive second-quarter surge saw South Africa outscore England by 10 goals, a lead they refused to relinquish.
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Player of the Match: Goal Shooter Elmeré van der Berg was unstoppable, finishing with a 94% shooting accuracy and providing the offensive anchor the Proteas needed.
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Defensive Masterclass: The defensive duo of Karla Pretorius and Nicola Smith combined for 12 intercepts, disrupting England’s transition play throughout the four quarters.
Johannesburg: The New Capital of Global Sport
The series win has been hailed as more than just a sporting achievement; it is a victory for the city of Johannesburg. The atmosphere at Ellis Park—a venue traditionally associated with rugby—proved that netball has become a premier drawcard for South African fans.
The success of the series is expected to boost South Africa’s bid for future international tournaments, as the Netball South Africa (NSA) leadership looks to capitalize on the momentum of the 2023 World Cup legacy.
“To beat a team of England’s caliber in a deciding match shows the incredible growth of our local talent. This is just the beginning for this group.” — Jenny van Dyk, SPAR Proteas Head Coach.
What’s Next for the Proteas?
With the England series concluded, the Proteas will now shift their focus to the 2026 Quad Series scheduled for later this year in Australia. This victory moves South Africa closer to the top three in the World Netball Rankings, a goal the federation has been chasing for over a decade.
| Match | Venue | Result | Top Scorer |
| Test 1 | Ellis Park | SA 52 – 55 ENG | Eleanor Cardwell (ENG) |
| Test 2 | Ellis Park | SA 58 – 54 ENG | Elmeré van der Berg (SA) |
| Test 3 | Ellis Park | SA 65 – 50 ENG | Elmeré van der Berg (SA) |
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