The Vitality Roses kicked off the 2024 Fast5 Netball World Series facing South Africa in the opening match of the weekend. A starting line-up featured Vitality Roses Paige Reed, Zara Everitt, Tash Pavelin, Alicia Scholes and Future Rose Harriet Jones and after a short performance in true Fast5 fashion the side were ready to go.
With six minute quarters and rolling subs, the pace was ferocious and both sides remained neck and neck as they settled into their stride. Calmly nailing the first six point shot of the series last year's MVP Paige Reed helped keep her fellow teammates nerves at ease throughout, with her confident shooting skills, but it wasn't enough as South Africa used the power play period to sink a six point shot in the dying seconds of the game and take the victory 25-33.
Captain Zara Everitt was named Player of the Match.
[caption id="attachment_856725" align="alignleft" width="434"] 09.11.2024 Action during the FAST5 netball matches at the Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch. Mandatory Photo Credit ©Michael Bradley.[/caption]