Vitality Netball Nations Cup 2025: England beat Malawi 62-36 in their opener
Jess Thirlby's young English side started their 2025 Vitality Nations Cup campaign with a win, but will need to step up their game against South Africa.
Sunday 2 February 2025 09:40, UK
England began their Vitality Netball Nations Cup campaign with a convincing 62-36 win against Malawi on the opening day.
It was a spirited start from England, ranked world No 4, with player of the match Paige Reed making her impact felt immediately, as she opened the scoring on her debut.
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- Thirlby: England are the team to beat
Malawi, ranked seventh in the world, had never beaten England in 14 previous attempts but kept toe to toe with the hosts in the opening two quarters, at times capitalising on England's tardiness in defence.
England captain Fran Williams made her presence felt as she came on at the start of the second half, injecting pace and experience into the side.
Reed was bolstered by Emma Thacker's debut after Olivia Tchine suffered an ankle twist at the start of the third quarter.
Earlier in the day, world No 5 ranked South Africa dominated in their opener against Uganda, 75-40.
Uganda will take on Malawi on Sunday followed by England against South Africa.
