GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: The England team celebrate victory after their Netball Semifinal match between England and Jamaica on day 10 of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games at Coomera Indoor Sports Centre on April 14, 2018 on the Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
The most important number from the Commonwealth Games in 2018: one.
One appearance in a final, one-goal victory, one gold medal, one shift in world netball, one hugely inspired nation.
The historic and dramatic moment will live long in the memories of the Vitality Roses and fans across the country.
Here’s a breakdown of how the gold was won and the sensational impact it’s had since…
The Vitality Roses’ competition overview:
The Vitality Roses scored 450 goals over the course of the competition, a tally bettered only by Jamaica (466) and Australia (529).
Chelsea Pitman recorded the second-highest number of goal assists (144) behind Australia’s Madi Browne (née Robinson, 157).
The defensive stability and togetherness of the team was clear to see during all the games and this was exemplified in the final by Geva Mentor, who, amongst other stats, recorded six interceptions – almost as many as the entire Diamonds squad combined.
The final was also extra special for the most-capped Vitality Rose – Jade Clarke – who celebrated her 150th cap.
The impact:
A whopping 1.8m people in total watched the final live or via the re-run later that day, which was broadcast on the BBC.
England Netball’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) reached 2m people over the semi-final and final.
According to a survey conducted by YouGov PLC on behalf of England Netball and shared six months on from the historic moment (15 October 2018), 130,700 adult women started playing netball or playing more netball as a result of the Commonwealth Games.
The survey also revealed that 77% of adults who paid attention to the netball at the Games agreed that the Vitality Roses are an inspiration to girls.
Well my 10 year old is off to her match with an extra spring in her step. Thank you @EnglandNetball . Sensational performance. You have given our girls dreams to aim for. #Commonwealth2018 🏅
— Mark Chapman (@markchapman) April 15, 2018
Following their triumphant success at the Games, the Vitality Roses also secured a number of prestigious accolades, including two in two minutes (Team of the Year and Greatest Sporting Moment) at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
