Super League stars on song as Roses and Proteas play out thrilling draw

Lenize Potgieter was the calmest woman in Cape Town as she levelled the scores with just seconds to spare after a stunning interception from Karla Pretorious allowed the hosts to race down court.

England had looked set to snatch victory as they led by just a single goal after a barnstorming fourth quarter that saw South Africa reduced to six players.

The SPAR Proteas had edged the contest for the first three quarters, taking a 13-12 lead into the first quarter despite the Roses racing into an early 7-3 advantage thanks to the precision of Helen Housby and Surrey Storm’s Sophie Drakeford-Lewis.

The sides went into half-time level and a huge third quarter from the home side saw them take a 36-33 lead with just 15 minutes to play before an enthralling final quarter meant it finished all square.

It ends in a draw 🤝 pic.twitter.com/QfcnAie9yC

— England Netball (@EnglandNetball) January 22, 2023

Potgieter’s precision for Proteas 

Manchester Thunder new recruit Potgieter was in fine form in Cape Town, battling it out with England goal keeper Geva Mentor in the circle.

Potgieter scored 29 goals from her 30 attempts as the SPAR Proteas went toe to toe with the Roses’ formidable defensive unit.

In the other circle, London Pulse’s Olivia Tchine continued her impressive performances in a red dress, finishing 19 of her 22 attempts while Storm’s new signing Drakeford-Lewis ended with 100% accuracy from her 11 shots.

Welcome to the game, @Liv_Tchine 👋

The goal shooter off the bench and straight on the scoresheet 🔥

👀 See the action on @SkySports Mix, Arena and YouTube! pic.twitter.com/YJCp0ZY5Me

— England Netball (@EnglandNetball) January 22, 2023

Reyneke ready to rock 

There was plenty to excite Saracens Mavericks fans as new signing Monique Reyneke impressed at wing defence.

Not only did the latest arrival in Hertfordshire play a pivotal role in her side’s dramatic equaliser, the 26-year-old defender also produced one interception and two turnovers.

She teamed up with Thunder’s Shadine van der Merwe in a formidable defensive performance from the Proteas, including a Player of the Match performance from former Storm and Wasps player Bongiwe Msomi.

Captain 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂 👏
Player of the Match against England today 🌟

🇿🇦🆚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#QuadSeries | #SPARProteas | #WeAreAllIn pic.twitter.com/s1L4iYGcwT

— Netball South Africa (@Netball_SA) January 22, 2023

Fadoju reaching new heights 

Just how good is Funmi Fadoju?

The London Pulse defender continued her outstanding start to international netball with another stellar performance at goal defence, producing two interceptions alongside Storm’s Layla Guscoth on her 50th appearance and childhood hero Mentor.

Super League fans have known for a while just how good Fadoju is in the circle, with her huge vertical jump a key reason why she was named Young Player of the Year for the 2022 season.

But now the whole world is seeing just how talented the 20-year-old is.

That tip, chef’s kiss 👌💋@FadojuFunmi making moves in the Vitality Roses’ defensive circle 🌹

Catch all the action live on @SkySports Arena, Mix and YouTube 📺 pic.twitter.com/HpzFBR4uBB

— England Netball (@EnglandNetball) January 22, 2023

McDonald makes Quad Series debut 

Elle McDonald only made her Vitality Roses debut in the final game against Jamaica earlier this month, and the Leeds Rhinos mid-courter got her first taste of the Quad Series from the bench.

The Leigh-born star provided four assists and seven feeds from centre as she replaced Team Bath’s Imogen Allison in a tough midcourt battle.

Rhinos fans will hope to see more of McDonald in a red dress before the start of the Super League season on 11 February.

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