Proteas off to perfect Netball World Cup start with dominant win over Wales

The Proteas got their Netball World Cup campaign off to a winning start, defeating Wales in their Pool C encounter at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Friday.

A boisterous and sold-out crowd at the CTICC stood firmly behind the national side as the Spar Proteas came away with a 61-50 win.

It was a strong opening quarter that set up the match for the home side, with the Proteas leading by nine at the end of it.

For the Proteas, Ine-Mari Venter was nearly flawless in the first half as she converted 26 of 28 goal attempts, while Elmeré van der Berg was successful with six out of her 12 attempts.

In the second half leading 32-24, South Africa made two changes, with Nichole Taljaard replacing Elmere van der Berg and Jeante Strydom coming in for Shadine van der Merwe.

Taljaard’s presence was quickly felt as she combined with Venter to make a deadly partnership in attack for South Africa.

Venter was the star for the hosts as she ended the game with 47 goals in only 51 attempts.

Taljaard, meanwhile, was successful with eight out of nine attempts.

Norma Plummer’s side will play Sri Lanka on Saturday at 16:00.