It has been another action packed weekend in the world of netball, so here is our round up of what took place and what you may have missed..
Taini Jamison Trophy – New Zealand v England
The Taini Jamison Trophy is a 3 match series between New Zealand and England. It seems every time these sides meet it is nothing short of spectacular. Following their breathtaking Quad Series encounter, where the Roses pulled off the victory, this series has had even wider interest.
Two games into the series and it is tied at 1-1. This sets it up very nicely for the final game which takes place on September 13 at 7.45 (local time) in Hamilton. It has been an extremely even series so far, with the Roses edging the last game 49-46 over the weekend.
After suffering a 62 – 55 defeat in the opening game of the series, this was a crucial second test for the Roses, as they knew only a win would keep the series alive. The Silver Ferns took the lead for the very first time in the final quarter, setting up what was a tense finish. The Roses fought back, however, and saw out a 3 goal victory to tie things up in the series.
The game will live long in the memory for the capacity crowd in Napier as well as those watching at home, and also for Claire Kersten who made her debut for the Silver Ferns.
All eyes will now be on the deciding match in the series which promises to be another thrilling game between these two sides.
Full Results:
[table “90” not found /]
Pent Series – 5 Nations Cup
Hosted in Windhoek, Namibia, the Pent Series came to an end over the weekend where Zimbabwe were crowned champions.
The competition is played in a round robin format, featuring 5 teams which were: Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Capacity crowds were a feature throughout the Pent Series, especially on the final day in the crunch game between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Zimbabwe won the game 50-46 to secure their clean sweep in the 5 Nations Cup.
Full Results:
[table “89” not found /]Standings:
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Zimbabwe
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Zambia
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Namibia
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Botswana
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Swaziland
Fiji v South Africa
South Africa who impressed many during the Quad Series, stuck around in the Southern Hemisphere for a 2 match series against Fiji. With both sides relatively close in the world rankings (Fiji 7th, South Africa 5th) this was an important series in order to staple those positions on the rankings.
Proteas continued their good form and blew Fiji away in the two games. Fiji Pearls started well in both matches but South Africa were too strong, especially in the final third. The first test ended 72-31 to the Proteas and the second test ended in what was a record win for Proteas, 83-36.
Full Results:
[table “91” not found /]Photo Credit: Namibian Netball Association