Layla Guscoth was thrilled to make her return to the international stage on Saturday.
The 26-year-old made her first start in over three years in the England Roses’ record-breaking 52-39 victory over the New Zealand Silver Ferns.
And now Guscoth is looking to build on the team’s positive start in the Netball Quad Series.
She said: “It was such a great experience being out there playing with the team.
“It’s a really good environment with a lot of support and I enjoyed every second out there.
“Playing New Zealand in Auckland was great – the crowd and the atmosphere was sensational!
“There’s a lot of love for netball here and it was great to get the opportunity.
Guscoth oozed calm, class and authority out on court but admits to there being a few nerves beforehand!
She said: “I was absolutely terrified before the game.
“I tried to be calm and remind myself to just enjoy the experience but from the minute Tracey announced the starting 7 I was petrified but also super excited for the opportunity.
“I napped a lot before the game and watched some bad TV.
“I also watched some videos from the Commonwealth Games to see what the girls had done so well against the Kiwis the last time out.”
There’s a positive and confident vibe in camp, but Guscoth knows that the Quad Series is just one small step on the road to Liverpool and the Netball World Cup 2019.
She said: “I think having watched this team over the past few years and now being a part of the environment I really think we can win the series.
“However I think the most important bit is to just keep building on performance each game.”
The Roses’ next game is the repeat of the Commonwealth Games final against the Samsung Australian Diamonds on Wednesday in Newcastle, New South Wales.
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