The SPAR Diamond Challenge was back this year after a four-year absence. Joining the South African Proteas at the University of Pretoria’s Rembrandt Hall between the 22nd and 26th of November were Scotland’s Thistles and Zimbabwe’s Gems. A South African President’s XII also competed but was ineligible to make the final. All matches were broadcast on SuperSport Variety 4 (Ch 209). All of Scotland’s matches were streamed by Recast TV
Current world rankings:
SOUTH AFRICA (5)
SCOTLAND (10)
ZIMBABWE (13)
Umpires
Chakatsa Lephole
Leonard Masao
Ken Metekingi
Terrence Peart
Theresa Prince
TEAMS
RESULTS
DAY 1
SOUTH AFRICA 61 def SCOTLAND 42
(14-10, 13-8, 20-8, 14-16)
POTM: Phumza Maweni (SA)
PRESIDENT’S XII 55 def ZIMBABWE 50
(15-12, 13-12, 13-12, 14-14)
POTM: Jeante Strydom (Pres XII)
DAY 2
SOUTH AFRICA 72 def ZIMBABWE 37
(20-9, 18-8, 18-10, 17-9)
POTM: Refiloe Nketsa (SA)
PRESIDENT’S XII 49 def SCOTLAND 48
(12-11, 11-12, 13-10, 13-15)
POTM: Kamogelo Maseko (Pres XII)
DAY 3
SCOTLAND 41 drew with ZIMBABWE 41
(16-10, 7-10, 9-9, 9-12)
POTM: Elizabeth Mushore (Zimb)
This draw meant Scotland and Zimbabwe finished level on points, but Scotland advanced to the final on better goal percentage.
SOUTH AFRICA 59 def PRESIDENT’S XII 34
(17-7, 16-5, 13-12, 13-10)
POTM: Shadine van der Merwe (SA)
DAY 4
PRESIDENT’S XII 49 def ZIMBABWE 43
(15-9, 12-11, 11-14, 11-9)
POTM: Nicole Muzanenhamo (Zimb)
FINAL:
SOUTH AFRICA 54 def SCOTLAND 36
(10-8, 14-12, 11-8, 19-8)
POTM: Claire Maxwell (Scot)
South Africa Starting 7:
GS – Lenize Potgeiter
GA – Nomfundo Mngomezulu
WA – Bongi Msomi (C)
C – Refiloe Nketsa
WD – Shadine van der Merwe
GD – Zanele Vimbela
GK – Phumza Maweni
Scotland Starting 7:
GS – Emma Barrie
GA – Niamh McCall
WA – Iona Christian
C – Hannah Leighton
WD – Claire Maxwell (C)
GD – Emily Nicholl
GK – Rachel Conway
Diamond Challenge winners:
South Africa Proteas
Player of the Tournament:
Khanyisa Chawane (SA)
