Jamaica have lifted the Rhone Hornsby Trophy in the inaugural Vitality Netball Horizon Series after a 61-53 victory in the decider.
With both sides having recorded one win apiece and a draw, the stage was set for a tantalising finale at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.
Vitality Rose Helen Housby was unavailable for selection due to an injury sustained in the previous fixture so Liv Tchine started at goal shooter.
While it was the hosts who had made a flying start in the third game, it was Jess Thirlby's side who laid down an early marker of intent and established a four-goal lead at the end of the opening quarter (11-15).
Roared on by the passionate home support, the Sunshine Girls levelled the scores with seven minutes to play before half-time and continued to push on, taking the lead for the first time with under two minutes to go.
After a run of goals for Sasher-Gaye Henry’s side, a last-gasp Tchine buzzer beater cut the gap but it was still advantage Jamaica with a two-goal cushion at the break (28-26).
Heading into the second half, Thirlby introduced Amy Carter at centre and Razia Quashie at goal keeper - with Quashie having an immediate impact, similar to when she entered in game three.
The Vitality Roses were forced to be patient as the Sunshine Girls showed their defensive strength and pressure.
In a repeat of the finish to the second quarter, Tchine sunk another late goal to make it a three-goal game in the Sunshine Girls' favour going into the decisive final 15 minutes (42-39).
Jamaica took their biggest lead of the match and the series - stretching as far ahead as eight goals - as they continued their momentum into the fourth quarter.
England battled until the very end but it wasn't enough as the Sunshine Girls ran out 61-53 winners.
The Vitality Roses will next be back in action on home soil when they play Malawi, South Africa and Uganda in a four-day tournament on 1-2 and 8-9 February 2025 across two venues in London and Nottingham.
England Netball members can buy tickets in an exclusive pre-sale window from 10am on Wednesday 20 November with access to a 10% discount. Members will be emailed directly with a link to purchase priority tickets.* Tickets to the Vitality Netball Nations Cup will go on general sale at 10am on Thursday 28 November here.
*Terms and conditions apply.
