Proteas edge late win over Roses to set up decider

Sunday's series decider will also be played in Nottingham

South Africa earned a late 61-59 win over England to take their three-match series with England down to a decider.

Roared on by the Nottingham home crowd, the Roses fought back to take the lead in the final quarter.

But the Proteas edged back in front with just over three minutes remaining and held on during a nervy finish.

The third match of the series will also be played in Nottingham on Sunday (14:00 GMT), with England having won the opener 54-51 in Manchester on Tuesday.

"We could have been beaten right on the buzzer but they dug deep, that's the quality you need," South Africa's head coach Norma Plummer told Sky Sports.

"We wanted to give these young ones a run, they are the future, and we're absolutely delighted with what they've put out today. Of course, tomorrow could be a totally different ball game."

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South Africa goal shooter Rolene Streutker earned her third cap in the absence of the injured Ine-Mari Venter and was named player of the match after scoring 49 of their 61 goals, missing just two shots.

"I was just taking my opportunities really," Streutker told Sky Sports. "There's not a lot that comes to you so when you get it, you have to grab it with both hands.

"After the first game we thought we lost it ourselves. We worked on it, we practiced, and we brought our A-game.

"We capitalised on our ball and didn't make many mistakes on our end. I think we've finally got that flow."

England appeared to lose Imogen Alison to injury before half-time but she returned later in the game and helped them go on a run of six unanswered goals early in the fourth quarter.

The Roses went ahead with just over six minutes left, only for South Africa to go back in front in the dying moments.

"To go back out in quarter four [like that] tells me a lot about the capacity and potential that this group has got," added England head coach Jess Thirlby.

"To show that grit and at least afford ourselves a chance to get the win, having not led for most of the game, is a great sign.

"Defensively I think we'll have to smarten up [on Sunday] but I'm pleased with the progress in attack."