The England Roses have beaten Jamaica 34-29 to be crowned 2017 Fast5 Netball World Series Champions.
The Roses previously won the 2011 World Netball Series, which was held under the older fastnet rules, but this is their first Series title since the new Fast5 rules were introduced in 2012.
Jamaica came into the Grand Final with a 100 percent record in the tournament but struggled to make their Power Play count due to England’s resolute defensive pressure.
The Roses made a strong start in the gold medal match with two Super Shots from Jo Harten helping them to a 13-4 lead at the end of the first quarter.
But the Sunshine Girls found their rhythm and closed the gap to just two goals at half time with their Power Play to follow.
Good pressure from the Roses defence kept them level at 24-24 going into the final quarter and it was a tense last six minutes at the Hisense Arena.
Helen Housby kept her cool in the closing stages to sink two pointer after two pointer and seal the win.
England exuded commitment, passion and unity throughout the tournament and made a perfect start on day one, recording three wins out of three.
They proved they meant business from the off with a big opening victory, defeating defending champions New Zealand 37-30.
They then carried their fine form from game one into game two. Malawi took bronze last year with a thrilling win over England but the Roses got their revenge, securing the biggest win of the day with a 43-15 victory over the Queens.
England maintained their perfect start in their final game of day one. They flew out of the traps and raced to a 26-14 lead over South Africa at half time with the Proteas unable to overcome the deficit as the Roses secured a 43-33 victory.
They got Finals Day off to a great start, coming back from 14-9 down at the break to take a 28-19 win over Australia.
They lost their 100 percent record though in a 47-38 defeat to Jamaica in their final round robin match. England were 26-12 up at half time but Jamaica turned the game on its head in their Power Play with Shanice Beckford alone scoring 26 points.
But the Roses regrouped and came out firing on all cylinders in the Grand Final to take the title in Melbourne.
Serena Guthrie was named Player of the Tournament after a sensational weekend of performances.
England are next in action in a three-match Vitality Netball International Series against Malawi this November in London and Birmingham – get your tickets now!
England Fast5 Squad: Ama Agbeze (Captain), Joanne Harten (Vice-Captain), Beth Cobden, Rachel Dunn, Serena Guthrie, Natalie Haythornthwaite, Helen Housby, Gabriella Marshall, Geva Mentor, Natalie Panagarry
#WeAreRoses
