England continue their preparations for the Commonwealth Games after losing the series 2-1 to New Zealand and are gearing up for two Tests against Jamaica.
However, Vitality Roses’ chance to get back on track will be in a back-to-back match at London’s Copper Box, where they will face the popular Sunshine Girls, who are ranked third in the world.
For head coach Jess Thirlby, taking the easy route to Commonwealth was never an option. She values the importance of playing for the first team and feels that it is the place where she can learn the most.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Jamaica beats New Zealand to win bronze medal at the 2023 Netball World Cup
“The quality of who plays is always very important and there has to be real integrity as well,” Thirlby said.
“When you play a series, you will find that every team has some strong players and players with different styles, but it may be difficult to recreate that in a training environment back home.
“At this point, there’s no team that can’t afford not to play.
“So I think it’s really healthy to play New Zealand and then Jamaica and South Africa to get to the Commonwealth Games.”
In November, the Roses made their first appearance in the international season and despite putting in some impressive performances against the experienced Ferns, they suffered an early start to the season, losing their third consecutive match 2–1.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from match 3 of the Vitality International Test series between England and New Zealand as Ferns won the series
Australia will also be the only top five team not to play this international season, as they will also face South Africa in the new year before players return home for the start of the domestic club league.
“You know, the rise of South Africa is clear,” Thirlby added. “They have new groundbreaking talent.
“New Zealand will always try to regain their authority as number one in the world.
“And I think Jamaica has always been a country where everyone likes outside chances.
“No matter what country they sit in, they always seem to have the support of everyone that lends itself to a really great environment.
“I think in our own way, we all have a little bit of a stake and a place around the table.”
This is the second series of a four-year deal for the Vitality Netball Horizon Series, which aims to host two matches in Jamaica and two in England each year.
Thirlby described playing in Jamaica as a “truly carnival-like environment,” but he was forced to cancel the Jamaican show due to Hurricane Melissa.
To support the island’s recovery, £1 from every ticket sold during the series will be donated by England Netball to World Central Kitchen, a charity chosen by Netball Jamaica to provide hot meals to people rebuilding their homes after the disaster.
Vitality Netball Horizon Series Schedule in Jamaica
The first two games of the series, which were originally scheduled to be held in Jamaica, were canceled due to Hurricane Melissa, so the series will now consist of only two games, both of which will be played in London.
Saturday 13th December: England v Jamaica, 2.15pm – Copperbox Arena, London
Sunday 14th December: England v Jamaica, 2pm – Copperbox Arena, London
Times may change slightly depending on broadcast requirements
