Proteas outplay Malawi

SOUTH Africa were too strong for a resilient Malawi outfit that went winless through the Fast5 netball series, beating their opponents 28-17 to finish fifth overall in Melbourne.

Inconsistent shooting combined with impressive defence from South Africa were the deciding factors.

South Africa ended their tournament with a win on the back of some sharp shooting from Deancke Rohde, in one of the South African team’s better displays of the series.

It was a fast start to the 5th v 6th playoff as Rhode and Maryka Holtzhausen combined for eight points to give the South African side an 8-5 advantage at the first break.

Neither team would let up in the second as several big collisions added an edge to the playoff.

South Africa’s Phumza Mwanei and Malawi’s Joyce Mvula battled it out under the post for most of the quarter. Maweni gained the upper hand and holding Malawi’s shooter to just 2/6 shooting for the quarter, with scores tied at 11 at the main break.

The third quarter was another defensive struggle, with South Africa able to smother the Malawian attack and outscore their opponents 5-4, despite Malawi’s being in their power play quarter.

South Africa entered the final change with a one-point advantage and a power play to come.

They leapt into their power play with eight quick points and effectively ended the game.

Malawi battled hard to claw back but South Africa were too strong, holding on for a 28-17 win.

Malawi go winless and finish in sixth as South Africa claim fifth spot for the 2017 Fast5 series.