Silver Ferns Clinch Series with Victory Over SPAR Proteas in Napier

Napier, New Zealand — 24 September 2025

The Silver Ferns sealed the Taini Jamison Trophy with a 70–58 win over the SPAR Proteas in the second Test at Pettigrew Green Arena, taking an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.

Strong Proteas Start

South Africa stunned the home crowd with a rapid opening burst, racing into a 12–6 lead and maintaining composure to edge the first quarter 15–14. Their defensive pressure disrupted New Zealand’s rhythm early, forcing errors and giving the Proteas the belief that they could push the Ferns deeper than in the series opener.

Nweke Dominance Turns the Tide

However, once New Zealand settled into their structures, the tide turned. Star shooter Grace Nweke was once again unstoppable under the post, netting an astonishing 60 goals to anchor the Ferns’ attack. With quicker ball release into the circle and feeders responding to Nweke’s calls, New Zealand outscored South Africa 20–13 in the second quarter to take a 34–28 lead into halftime.

The Ferns maintained control in the third period, pulling away 53–42 after another dominant stretch. Stand-in captain Kelly Jackson marshalled the defensive unit superbly, producing several intercepts that blunted the Proteas’ comeback attempts.

Final Quarter Highlights

South Africa never stopped fighting, matching the Ferns goal-for-goal in much of the final quarter, but New Zealand’s composure ensured the 12-goal margin at the whistle. The night also carried special significance as Filda Vui made her Silver Ferns debut at goal attack in the closing minutes, a proud moment for the squad.

Series Context

The result confirms New Zealand as winners of the 2025 Taini Jamison Trophy, having also claimed a 26-goal victory in the Auckland opener. The Proteas will take positives from their sharper start and improved competitiveness, with the 12-goal margin the closest they have pushed the Ferns on New Zealand soil.

The final Test takes place in Invercargill on Sunday, 28 September (NZDT), where South Africa will look to finish the series on a high and continue building momentum towards future international campaigns.