30 November 2019

England Netball claim second nail-biting victory and series win over the Proteas with one test to go

Inspired second-half shooting from George Fisher tipped England's second game against South Africa in their favour as they beat the Proteas 59-53 in Cape Town.

Playing in just her seventh senior international, the 21-year-old impressed with her space-holding under the post and high percentage shot-making while captain Natalie Haythornthwaite led from the front in the mid-court.

The two teams were matched goal-for-goal until England stepped on the gas to finish the first quarter 15-11. They held on to their lead through to half-time where they earned their orange segments with a 29-27 lead.

South Africa fought back in the third quarter while the travelling side fell foul of a few footwork calls resulting the Proteas' gaining ground on Jess Thirlby's Roses side.

With just nine minutes left in the final quarter, the two tenacious teams were tied on 49 and seemed to be feeling the pressure both physically and mentally. Fresh off the bench, England's Natalie Pangarray flew onto the court and helped her team surge ahead to seal the victory 59-53 and thus the series with one still to play.

For Jess Thirlby, the win is particular significant as it ensures victory in her first series since taking over from Tracey Neville but she said she will "not be taking the third game lightly" when the Roses head onto court again tomorrow.

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