Netball: Jamaica win series 2-1 against England after victory in their deciding match

A final quarter surge from Jamaica saw them seal a 57-47 win over England, winning the series 2-1.

Up until the final 15 minutes, these two great rivals were inseparable, locked together at 37-37 as the third quarter came to a close. However, it was the Sunshine Girls who were able to finish with a flourish to claim victory in Kingston on Tuesday night.

The visitors selected the same starting seven from the previous match with Stacey Francis retaining the WD bib and Pamela Cookey fit to play, despite receiving a knock in the match on Sunday.

Jo Harten was looking sharp in the final third, showcasing her remarkable balance and reach by pulling in a smart lofted feed from Sasha Corbin to net.

England conceded possession from centre-pass on a couple of occasions and it required another Geva Mentor interception to draw them back into the game for Cookey to convert. A late Romelda Aiken goal had Jamaica ahead 14-12 at the end of the first quarter.

Neck-and-neck

An early turnover due to some powerful England defending allowed Jade Clarke to combine wonderfully with Harten to level the game.

The intensity levels increased with the pressure rising on every attempted pass, shot or drive into the circle. Jamaica moved two clear but England pegged them back to square the match at 24-24 entering half-time.

Once more, the Sunshine Girls were able to move into a two-goal lead but the introduction of Sara Bayman five minutes into the quarter had an instant impact as a converted turnover made the game 30-30.

Chances came and went for the visitors as both Agbeze and Francis saw interceptions fail to make their way to goal. A miss from Jhaniele Fowler-Reid gave England the chance to level the match at the end of the quarter.

With the whistle already blown to indicate time, Harten sunk a penalty shot from the edge of the circle to make it all square at 37-37 entering the final quarter.

Final flurry

Jamaica raced out of the blocks and a quick turnover was converted. Francis then unluckily slipped on the surface and the ball agonisingly slipped from her grasp. The hosts took advantage and the gap was out to four.

Again England had chances on turnover ball but when they were missed, Jamaica seized the momentum with glee. The home side were connecting well in the final third, with Shanice Beckford providing the spark and staking her claim to be named Player of the Series.

After a gruelling and dramatic three matches in four days, the tiring legs were taking their toll and despite a late injection from Kadeen Corbin, Jamaica had done enough to claim the spoils.

England will re-group and take the positives from their trip to the Caribbean with the focus remaining on the Netball World Cup this summer.

England starting 7: GS – Harten, GA – Cookey, WA – S.Corbin, C – Clarke, WD – Francis, GD – Agbeze, GK – Mentor