Monday 5 December 2016 07:06, UK
England began their three-match Vitality International Netball Series against Jamaica with a 66-49 defeat at London's Copper Box Arena.
Despite the best efforts of Roses shooter Joanne Harten, Tracey Neville's team were left to rue a lacklustre second and third quarter that allowed Jamaica to seize the early initiative in the three-match series, with the second match to be played at Manchester's Belle Vue Arena on Friday.
The power and athleticism of Jamaica got the better of the Roses' young squad setting out on a four-year cycle that includes the 2018 Commonwealth Games and concludes with the 2019 Netball World Cup in England.
The experienced pair of Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and Paula Thompson had been recalled to the Jamaica squad for the series, but it was England who had the better of opening exchanges, Harten in fine form as the Roses moved 3-0 in front.
Harten continued to set the tone as England ended the first quarter four goals ahead with a 16-12 advantage, a position they maintained until midway through the second quarter when the Sunshine Girls began to turn things around.
With England 26-22 in front, Jamaica started to assume control, player-of-the-match Fowler-Reid matching Harten's accuracy under the posts to first bring the visitors level and then four in front as the half-time whistle blew.
A dominant third quarter from the Sunshine Girls saw them extend their advantage to seven points, leaving Neville's team with an uphill task to turn the game around.
The introduction of Natalie Haythornthwaite and a couple of uncharacteristic misses from Jamaican shooter Fowler-Reid gave England hope, but the experience of the visitors saw them extend their advantage and run out worthy winners.
England starting line-up: GK - Beckford-Chambers; GD - Francis; WD - Agbeze; C - Clarke; WA - Guthrie; GA - Corbin; GS - Harten.
You can follow the Vitality International Series on Sky Sports with the Second Test on Friday live on Sky Sports 3 and Sky Sports Mix from 7.30pm
