Netball: England suffer surprise loss at Tri-Series

England captain Pamela Cookey (right) competes for the ball (Getty Images)

England's hopes of finishing the year unbeaten were left in tatters after they suffered a shock 39-37 defeat to South Africa in the final of the Tri-Series in Port Elizabeth.

The Proteas players produced an impressive defensive performance and England found themselves 19-18 behind at half-time after struggling to break through the hosts' backline.

England coach Anna Mayes decided to make some tactical changes at the interval which initially seemed to have worked with the visitors taking a four-goal advantage.

However, the advantage swung back towards the hosts and despite England pushing hard in the final minutes, the Proteas, who were backed by a noisy home crowd, were able to hold out for a hard-fought victory.