Silver Ferns Clinch Last-Minute Win to Sweep Taini Jamison Trophy

The Silver Ferns secured a dramatic last-minute victory over South Africa with a score of 57-56, completing a clean sweep of the Taini Jamison Trophy on October 20, 2023, at Stadium Southland. With only 20 seconds remaining and the teams tied, South Africa aimed to clinch their first win against the Silver Ferns in 30 years. However, a crucial interception by Silver Ferns player Gordon shifted the momentum, allowing Martina Salmon to score the winning shot.

The match was intense, characterized by two suspensions and a South African lead that peaked at seven goals. The Silver Ferns found themselves trailing until the final quarter when South African defender Nicola Smith was suspended. This opened the door for the Silver Ferns to gain a three-goal advantage. Despite setbacks, including Kimiora Poi‘s suspension that forced Gordon to take on a pivotal role, the Silver Ferns rallied to secure the win.

Early in the game, the Proteas demonstrated resilience, taking a 12-8 lead after the first quarter. Despite the Silver Ferns’ efforts to adapt, South Africa’s captain Khanyisa Chawane, who celebrated her 100th test, and centre Tarle Mathe capitalized on their speed, effectively targeting the circle edge.

As the match progressed, the Silver Ferns struggled with their attacking strategy, often appearing stagnant and failing to penetrate the South African defence effectively. However, adjustments in the second quarter allowed them to narrow the gap, ending the half at 29-23 in favour of South Africa.

The Silver Ferns entered the second half with renewed determination. They utilized their ball speed more effectively, with Salmon and Grace Nweke executing plays that brought the score to 43-41 at the end of the third quarter. Despite this resurgence, the team continued to face challenges, as South Africa’s defence remained formidable.

In the final minutes, the Silver Ferns managed to leverage both their experience and skill. They capitalized on key plays, with Salmon driving towards the base before passing to Nweke, who was instrumental in closing the score gap. Ultimately, it was Gordon’s interception that proved to be the game-changer.

The final statistics reflected a closely contested match. The Silver Ferns had Grace Nweke scoring 49 out of 54 attempts and Salmon contributing 8 out of 10. On the South African side, Elmere van der Berg scored 46 out of 51 attempts, while Owethu Ngubane added 10 out of 14.

This victory not only marked a significant milestone for the Silver Ferns but also showcased the competitiveness of the South African team, who exhibited commendable skill and tenacity throughout the series.