Silver Ferns Claim Dramatic Win to Sweep Taini Jamison Trophy

The Silver Ferns triumphed over South Africa 57-56 in a thrilling match at Stadium Southland on October 14, 2023, completing a clean sweep of the Taini Jamison Trophy. This victory marked the first time in 30 years that South Africa had a chance to win against the Silver Ferns, but a last-minute surge sealed their fate.

With the score tied at 56-56 and only 20 seconds remaining, South Africa attempted to set up for a decisive shot. However, Silver Ferns’ player Gordon intercepted the ball, launching a quick counterattack. Martina Salmon confidently sank the winning shot, igniting celebrations as the home crowd erupted in excitement.

The match featured intense moments, including two suspensions that impacted both teams’ strategies. South Africa initially took control, leading by as much as seven points during the game. The Silver Ferns regained momentum in the final quarter after Nicola Smith from South Africa received a suspension, allowing the New Zealand team to establish a three-goal advantage.

As the game progressed, the dynamics shifted. Kimiora Poi also faced suspension, which required Gordon to shift positions to center. Despite these challenges, the Silver Ferns displayed resilience, coming from behind to clinch the trophy.

Both teams exhibited strong performances throughout the match. South Africa’s captain Khanyisa Chawane celebrated her 100th test match and showcased exceptional skill alongside her teammate Tarle Mathe, who effectively utilized their speed to penetrate the Silver Ferns’ defense. They found Elmere van der Berg frequently, who scored 46 out of 51 attempts.

The Silver Ferns struggled initially, throwing away loose balls that allowed South Africa to establish a 12-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, they regrouped and began to utilize their speed effectively. Kelly Jackson made notable interceptions that revitalized the crowd and narrowed the score to 29-23 at halftime.

In the second half, the Silver Ferns came out with renewed intent. They worked to counter South Africa’s offensive plays, yet still found themselves trailing 43-41 at the end of the third quarter. The final quarter saw a pivotal shift as the Silver Ferns executed their plays with precision, ultimately sealing their victory in a nail-biting finish.

The final scoreline reflected a hard-fought contest, with the Silver Ferns securing the Taini Jamison Trophy with a total score of 57, while South Africa finished with 56. The match demonstrated the competitive spirit and skill of both teams, leaving fans eager for future encounters.