By Sophie Taylor
A threatening display of international netball put the South Africa Series to a close at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Sunday afternoon, with the Origin Australian Diamonds claiming a 65-42 victory and a series sweep in the process.
Three first-time starters – Tilly Garrett, Georgie Horjus and Alice Teague-Neeld – set tongues wagging before the match even started, named in the starting seven.
Meanwhile, three new Diamonds were forged, with Hannah Mundy named Diamond #195 towards the end of the second quarter, and Lucy Austin (#196) and Ash Ervin (#197) starting the second half at both ends of the court.
The Diamonds started strong and did not relent throughout another physical contest, forcing errors from the Proteas from the opening whistle.
With captain Liz Watson sitting on the bench, Kate Moloney led the charge for the Diamonds in an impressive display.
The Diamonds well and truly came out flying in the first half, piling on the offensive pressure and forcing South Africa into a slow transition down court.
Tilly Garrett was up and about in front of the Adelaide faithful during a stellar 30-minute performance, picking off two gains and pairing seamlessly with Sarah Klau.
Meanwhile, the partnership between Sophie Garbin and Horjus continued from where it left off in Wollongong on Wednesday.
The duo shone in the circle, pairing effortlessly with Teague-Neeld and Kate Moloney out the front.
With a 19-goal margin at the main change head coach Stacey Marinkovich switched up the bibs.
While the fresh combinations took some time to settle, with the Proteas able to take their first quarter off the Diamonds all series, the side reset ahead of massive final quarter.
Adelaide juniors Horjus and Austin got their goal circle moment together in the final quarter, with the 8,535-strong crowd showcasing their excitement.
