SPAR Proteas Fall Short as Silver Ferns Secure Another Win
Napier – The Silver Ferns had to endure a tough contest to clinch a 70-58 victory over a revamped SPAR Proteas squad in the second test.
The hosts secured the 2025 Taini Jamison Trophy in Napier, New Zealand, on Wednesday, 24 September 2025.
With this win, New Zealand achieved their 38th triumph in the historical encounters against the SPAR Proteas.
The Silver Ferns now hold a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Arriving in Napier with determination, the SPAR Proteas aimed for redemption following a significant defeat to the world number two side in the first test held in Auckland.
Head Coach Jenny van Dyk made several changes to her starting roster, introducing Elmere van der Berg, Tarle Mathe, and Jamie van Wyk from the team that faced off in the opening test.
The South African squad showed resilience, adopting an aggressive and effective strategy in the second match.
Utilizing their speed and rapid passing with precision, the visitors gained an early two-point lead before New Zealand could respond.
The SPAR Proteas’ tactics seemed to be working, allowing them to dominate the first quarter.
However, the Silver Ferns rallied, but time was against them as the SPAR Proteas claimed the first quarter 15-14.
This was the first time in ten tests that New Zealand lost the opening quarter.
In the second quarter, the Silver Ferns regained their rhythm and displayed their experience, quickly recovering their position in the match.
The SPAR Proteas held strong, but ultimately the Silver Ferns secured the quarter 20–13, leading 34–28 at halftime.
The Championship quarter saw some players showing signs of fatigue.
Coach van Dyk made further adjustments, introducing fresh players and slightly altering her lineup.
By the end of the quarter, the Silver Ferns had widened their lead to a commanding 53-42.
In the concluding quarter, the SPAR Proteas were resolute in their attempts to overturn the deficit and claim a win, but their efforts fell short as the Silver Ferns finished the match 70-58.
SPAR Proteas Head Coach, Jenny van Wyk, remarked on her team’s performance with satisfaction.
“It was a 100% improvement from the first test, and if we can maintain a one-point gap against the Silver Ferns in the first two quarters as we did today, we should be able to extend that over four quarters,” Van Wyk stated.
“However, I am concerned that we had a six-point lead at the start of the match, and instead of leveraging that important advantage, we became too reckless. This is an aspect we must address when competing against the world’s best teams.
“Regardless, I am proud of our effort and eager to see our progress in the final test.”
The third and final test is set for Sunday, 28 September 2025, in Invercargill at 09:40 SA time.
The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Quarter Score Breakdown
- Q1: SPAR Proteas 15 – 14 Silver Ferns
- Q2: SPAR Proteas 28 – 34 Silver Ferns
- Q3: SPAR Proteas 42 – 53 Silver Ferns
- Q4: SPAR Proteas 58 – 70 Silver Ferns
SPAR Proteas Starting XII
GS – Elmere van der Berg; GA – Kamogelo Maseko; WA – Khanyisa Chawane (C); C – Tarle Mathe; WD – Shadine van der Merwe; GD – Jamie van Wyk; GK – Sanmarie Visser
Shooting Stats:
Elmere van der Berg 44/47 (94%)
Kamogelo Maseko 14/19 (74%)