Silver Ferns v South Africa result: Martina Salmon hits last second goal as NZ claim Taini Jamison Trophy sweep

Martina Salmon has scored the game-winning goal in the final seconds, as the Silver Ferns claimed a 57-56 win over South Africa to claim a Taini Jamison Trophy series sweep and bring an end to a turbulent few weeks off the court.

After comfortable wins in the opening two tests, the Ferns were pushed to the limits in Invercargill, where they once trailed by as many as nine goals, but managed to battle back in a result that will serve them in good stead ahead of next month’s Constellation Cup series against Australia.

But with nearly three weeks until the first test against the Diamonds on October 17 in Melbourne, attention now turns to whether Dame Noeline Taurua will return to coach the side as they look to defend their title.

Netball New Zealand dropped Taurua and her coaching cohort 10 days out from the Proteas series concerning proposed changes to their High Performance programme and environment, which could not be resolved in time for the series.

That saw Yvette McCausland-Durie take charge for the Taini Jamison series.

New Zealand led in the opening two minutes, but they wouldn’t see the lead again until early in the final quarter as South Africa showed their class.

The visitors opened a nine-goal lead late in the second quarter, but the Ferns managed to close the gap to 29-23 at halftime.

New Zealand found their groove in the third quarter and cut the lead to two goals which set up a thrilling final quarter.

The final quarter was a frenzy and the Silver Ferns finally regained the lead by as many as three, but chasing just their second ever win over New Zealand, South Africa refused to budge.

The Proteas had victory in their hands, leading by a single goal inside the final 30 seconds, but then Grace Nweke, and Salmon struck dragger blows to break the hearts of South Africa.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.