The first match in the Vitality Roses’ three-match test series against the Australian Diamonds ended 70-57 in favour of the Australian side.
The Vitality Roses line-up included captain Fran Williams starting in goal defence, whilst Beth Cobden took the wing defence bib, marking her first game for the Vitality Roses since January 2022.
The match saw a determined effort from the Vitality Roses, with shooters Eleanor Cardwell, Helen Housby, Lois Pearson and Liv Tchine achieving an outstanding 98% accuracy throughout the game. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to compete consistently with a slick Australian side playing in front of a loud home crowd at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
A positive start saw the Vitality Roses take a one-goal lead against the Diamonds in the opening minutes. As the first quarter played out, some early defensive chances from Razia Quashie created opportunities for the Vitality Roses but they struggled to capitalise on these and a series of errors in the attacking end saw the Diamonds take a five-goal lead by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw a Vitality Roses debut as Lois Pearson entered the game in the goal attack position, combining with Helen Housby who moved into goal shooter. Pearson scored her first goal for the Vitality Roses, instilling an air of confidence among the team which saw Williams send a powerful ball from the centre third into Housby home alone under the post.
Sarah Klau and Sunday Aryang combined well in the Diamond’s defensive end, and Australia were able to take their lead out to 11, at which point Funmi Fadoju came onto court at goal defence in place of captain Fran Williams. England were then able to maintain this 11-goal gap until the end of the second quarter.
More changes followed for England at the start of quarter three, with Amy Carter entering the game at centre pushing Imogen Allison to wing defence and bringing their Manchester Thunder partnership to life on the international stage.
Lois Pearson also moved to wing attack in place of Hannah Joseph, with Housby now in goal attack as Liv Tchine entered at goal shooter.
These changes had a positive impact on the scoreline, seeing England win the third quarter by 18 goals to the Diamonds’ 13.
The start of the fourth and final quarter continued this positive momentum as the Vitality Roses built in confidence and Tchine opened up space in the shooting circle. Ellie Rattu was injected into the game at wing defence and Williams re-entered the court at goal keeper, and the Vitality Roses were able to close the deficit to just five goals with ten minutes left to play.
The final ten minutes of the test match saw a change in the momentum as a series of turnovers extended Australia’s lead to 13. Diamonds debutant Rudi Ellis also took to court to a warm reception from the Adelaide crowd. Despite a valiant effort from the Vitality Roses, the match finished with a 70-57 win for the Australian Diamonds.
Speaking after the match Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby said:
"We had an opportunity in that last quarter to get it back to four with a decent amount of time on the clock and at that point we were left wanting. So we’ve asked ourselves the question, at that point was our intent to try and take the game or not? As that’s the kind of shift we need to see from ourselves.
“That’s something that will clearly drive us and motivate us now for Sunday’s game."
Discussing the impact of the changes made throughout the game she reflected: "It was a great response after half time, the injection of players off the bench today, in the main, all of them had a positive impact on the game.
“Lois Pearson on her debut against the Aussie Diamonds in Australia, it’s not an easy job. She’s gone out there and been one of our standout and consistent performers which is an excellent place for her to start her Roses journey.”
Both teams now look ahead to the second match in the series, which will be played in Sydney at 7am (UK time) on Sunday 22 September. All the action can be watched live on Sky Sports Mix and YouTube from 6:30am (UK viewers) or NetballPass (international viewers).
Vitality Roses starting seven: Razia Quashie (GK), Fran Williams (GD), Beth Cobden (WD), Imogen Allison (C), Hannah Joseph (WA), Helen Housby (GA), Eleanor Cardwell (GS)
Substitutes: Amy Carter, Funmi Fadoju, Lois Pearson, Ellie Rattu, Liv Tchine
Origin Diamonds starting seven: Sarah Klau (GK), Sunday Aryang (GD), Jamie-Lee Price (WD), Paige Hadley (C), Liz Watson (WA), Kiera Austin (GA), Sophie Garbin (GS)
Substitutes: Sophie Dwyer, Rudi Ellis, Matilda Garrett, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney
