JAMAICA PREVAIL IN NAIL-BITING SERIES

The Vitality Roses were edged out by Jamaica in the rollercoaster four-match Vitality Netball Horizon Series in November.

Competing for the Rhone Hornsby Trophy for the first time – proudly named in honour of Molly Rhone on behalf of Netball Jamaica and Jean Hornsby on behalf of England Netball – the Sunshine Girls were in inspired form, fighting back from 1-0down to take the series 2-1.

The series opener in front of a loud and passionate crowd in Manchester’s AO Arena set the tone for what was to come, both sides giving their all in a thrilling 49-49 draw. In a game which marked a 50th cap for the Vitality Roses for Imogen Allison and Fran Williams, the hosts opened up a six-goal lead at half-time and led for three quarters but Jamaica refused to buckle, Shanice Beckford scoring in the final second to take a share of the spoils.

“It was an up and down game and there were some errors we’re not pleased with,” said Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby. “We were patchy. I imagine both teams will be ruing some of the opportunities missed, so on balance is it a fair result? Probably. Yes, we could’ve won the game, but we could’ve easily lost the game. We have to be proud of finding a way to not lose because the game was up and down.”

The Vitality Roses delivered a more polished display the following day at the same venue, producing a powerful second-half performance to claim a 55-47 victory, with the match having been tied 24-24 at half-time.

Funmi Fadoju was named Vitality Player of the Match for her impressive defensive efforts. “We admire everything Funmi can do and she is super hard on herself,” said Thirlby of the 22-year-old, “so the scary thing is that we still feel there’s more to come. She’s a beautiful soul to have in the team, as much as an incredible athlete, and we’re very lucky to have her.”

The series resumed a week later in Jamaica, and the hosts were clearly buoyed by a return to home soil after an extended period with no test matches being played on the island. The Sunshine Girls were fast out of the blocks, taking a 12-10 lead in the first quarter and they managed to hold off a late surge from the Vitality Roses to edge the match 50-49 and level the series.

Two days later, the stage was set for a tantalising finale at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston. The visitors made a strong start, opening up a 15-11 lead at the end of the first quarter, only for Jamaica to fight back and leave the Vitality Roses trailing 28-26 at half-time.

Roared on by a passionate home crowd, the Sunshine Girls led 42-39 by the end of the third quarter and continued their momentum in the fourth, winning the match 63-51.

With Helen Housby unavailable for selection due to an injury sustained in the previous fixture, a young and exciting attacking lineup for the Vitality Roses stood up to the challenge of competing against Jamaica’s world-renowned defensive lineup, but it wasn’t quite enough to secure the series win. “It’s disappointing for us when we started the game so strongly to let them back in,” said England captain Fran Williams. “It’s an amazing experience to play here. This heat and the atmosphere and vibes they have here – but that’s no excuse for not showing up and being able to perform.”

The Vitality Roses will next be back in action on home soil when they play Malawi, South Africa and Uganda in a four-day tournament on 1-2and 8-9February 2025 across two venues in London and Nottingham.

THE VITALITY NETBALL HORIZON SERIES

Game 1 AO Arena, Manchester 16 November Vitality Roses 49-49 Jamaica

Game 2 AO Arena, Manchester 17 November Vitality Roses 55-47 Jamaica

Game 3 National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston, Jamaica 25 November Jamaica 50-49 Vitality Roses

Game 4 National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston, Jamaica 27 November Jamaica 61-53 Vitality Roses

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