After two thrilling weekends of Vitality Netball Nations Cup action in Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena and London’s Copper Box Arena, the Vitality Roses stormed to victory and lifted the trophy in front of a sold-out crowd on Sunday.
Fans at the Copper Box Arena first watched the Uganda She Cranes defeat the Malawi Queens 50-45 to earn a third-place finish in the tournament, before the Vitality Roses and the South Africa SPAR Proteas took to court to fight for the right to be named champions.
In a nail-biting match that raised the roof of the arena, England were able to withstand significant pressure applied by South Africa to end the tournament 61-55 winners. The victory marked England’s first ever Vitality Netball Nations Cup win.
Goal shooter Liv Tchine was named Vitality Player of the Series after a standout performance in the final saw her score 49 goals for England with 100% accuracy. Her teammate Funmi Fadoju picked up the Vitality Player of the Match award.
Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby commented on the result saying: “We really had to earn that [win], real credit to South Africa. It was always set up to be a brilliant final and it’s the type of match we need to be in.
…. It wasn’t pretty at times, but we’ve got to find joy in the grind, and I think we did that pretty well today.”
Vitality Player of the Series Liv Tchine reflected on her award, saying: “I was actually shocked but I’m really happy that I was able to do it, and I wouldn’t have been able to without the support of the girls, they made it so much easier for me.
"We came out and knew South Africa were going to come out stronger and they did. The first quarter they really came out and showed they meant business, but we knew that we weren’t going to slack so I’m happy that we were able to find that extra one percent, that extra gear to go and win.”
England starting seven: Razia Quashie (GK), Funmi Fadoju (GD), Beth Cobden (WD), Imogen Allison (C), Jess Shaw (WA), Paige Reed (GA), Liv Tchine (GS).
South Africa starting seven: Sanmarie Visser (GK), Jamie Van Wyk (GD), Tarle Mathe (WD), Refiloe Nketsa (C), Khanyisa Chawane (WA), Kamogelo Maseko (GA), Rolene Streutker (GS).
