IN AN up-and-down match at Wembley Arena in London on Wednesday evening, the Proteas faced the reality that, inevitably, England were the better netball team.

Showing more maturity, stamina and strength in play, the English gained as South Africa waned as the game progressed.

The Proteas were off to a strong start. The attack players played a patient and controlled game, despite the high intensity of the match. The attack combination of Bongiwe Msomi, Simnikiwe Mdaka, captain Maryka Holtzhausen and Melissa Myburgh was solid, and a number of goals were scored in the beginning of the first quarter.

But England were able to build a lead as ruthless goal defence Stacey Francis made a number of intercepts, and the home side led 13-9 after the first whistle.

England were first to score off a South African centre in the second quarter and began to run away with their lead, scoring a further seven goals to SA's four within seven minutes.

The Proteas were not able to capitalise on their intercepts.

Mdaka was injured and was replaced as wing attack by Holtzhausen as Lindie Lombard took over goal attack.

Despite a few good minutes of play by the South Africa side, they were hampered by a lack of confidence in the goal circle.

It was in moments like these that the maturity of the English side showed.

"Our goal attack was not able to properly support our goal shooter," said coach Elize Kotze after the game. "We need our goal attack to be fearless and take crazy shots at goal."

In the third quarter both sides made a number of changes as Vanes-Mari du Toit was brought on as goal keeper, Yolandi Stone as wing attack, and Karla Mostert and Adele Niemand were moved to wing defence and goal defence, respectively.

Anna Mayes also made a number of changes to her wing attack, centre and goal keeper positions.

England were first to score again as the Proteas made a number of errors. The South African defensive efforts were hampered as balls were continuously lost close to the goal circle.

English goal shooter Jo Harten, who was celebrating her 50th cap, had a brilliant game, after she was benched in the first test.

The third quarter reflected much of the style of play as the previous one, with England bullying their way further into the lead with a 41-25 score, eventually running out 51-33 winners.

"We started off very well and had more than enough turnover balls to survive a match like this. Again this comes down to a lack of discipline on ball possession, and conditioning," Kotze said.