Watch the second and third Tests live on Sky Sports on December 4 and 5; both England and Jamaica are building towards next year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham
Monday 29 November 2021 06:16, UK
England's Vitality Roses opened their three-Test series against Jamaica with a 55-45 victory at the Copper Box Arena.
Jess Thirlby's team produced a storming third quarter to take control of the contest and then put their foot on the gas during the fourth quarter.
After trailing 26-25 at the break, the introduction of Eleanor Cardwell changed England's dynamic in attack, while the work of Layla Guscoth, Beth Cobden and the returning Eboni Usoro-Brown paid dividends in defence.
The second and third Tests will take place on December 4 and 5 at the Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham and will be shown live on Sky Sports.
England went into the contest having lost four of their last five encounters with Jamaica, however, with next year's Commonwealth Games quickly coming into sight, they were ready to test themselves against the Sunshine Girls once again.
Instantly, Jamaica settled into their aerial attacking style well. In defence, they looked hungry to win ball and as a unit, Kadie-Ann Dehaney and Shamera Sterling, caused real issues for England's shooters.
The combination of Jo Harten and Helen Housby, reforming for the first time since 2019, did not fire from the outset and instead, was described by head coach Thirlby as "staccato" following the contest.
England kept in touch with Jamaica, though, trailing 11-10 at the first pause and finishing the second quarter strongly to remain just a goal down - 26-25 - at half-time.
The introduction of Cardwell five minutes before the interval, commenced the Roses' step change. Her presence allowed Harten to settle into her role at shooter and together they matched their defenders' physicality.
The third quarter so often proves to be decisive in netball and England's seven produced a stunning quarter.
Usoro-Brown's first international minutes after having a baby were exceptional and, throughout the second half, she kept Jhaniele Fowler quiet and forced multiple changes in Jamaica's attack-end.
In front of England's goal keeper, Guscoth and Cobden delivered a defensive masterclass. Both used their exceptionally long arms to pluck countless balls out of the air, and their hard work was rewarded by the accuracy of Harten and Cardwell.
With a packed house at the Copper Box Arena roaring them on, the Vitality Roses pressed throughout the final set of 15 minutes and will now travel to Nottingham with plenty of lessons, and positives, to take into the second and third Tests.
