Vitality Netball Nations Cup action at the Copper Box Arena began on Saturday, with the South Africa SPAR Proteas defeating the Malawi Queens 58-55. Vitality Roses fans were then delighted by a nail-biting match which saw England secure their place in the final with a 59-48 victory against a determined Ugandan side.
Halimat Adio was named the Vitality Player of the Match after entering the game in the fourth quarter and proving to be the change England needed, picking up three gains and sparking a critical change in momentum.
The opening half of the game saw little to split the two sides, with intense goal-for-goal play and a high level of physicality on court. The injection of Funmi Fadoju provided a lift in energy, but Uganda refused to let the Vitality Roses build a lead and they headed into the half time break with the scores level at 42-42. Head Coach Jess Thirlby made a raft of changes in the second half with Alicia Scholes, Berri Neil, Zara Everitt and Halimat Adio all entering the game as the scores continued to tick over.
But it was the introduction of Adio that proved decisive, she picked up a rebound almost as soon as she entered the court, and went onto also earn a deflection and an intercept. As the Vitality Roses continued to win more ball and grow their lead, the crowd at the Copper Box Arena grew louder and louder, truly acting as the eighth player, powering the team on the court.
England ended the game as 59-48 winners, setting up a rematch for tomorrow of last weekend’s game against South Africa to decide who will lift the Vitality Netball Nations Cup trophy.
Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby reflected on the match, saying: “I really trusted in the girls that wanted their opportunity today and I thought, in the main, it was a great team performance. Was it sticky in patches? Of course, but we’re trying to enjoy that and find the moments of joy through that. So there was lots to be really positive about and it was lovely to be able to pull away at the end and see that impact come as the game played out.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s final she said: “We really wanted to earn the right to have another go [against South Africa]. It’s a really nice circle back to see whether or not we can apply the learnings we took last week tomorrow, and I’ve got real faith in the group that they’re hungry to get back out there.”
The Vitality Roses will face South Africa in the final tomorrow at 4pm, and fans can watch live on Sky Sports Mix (UK viewers) and YouTube (international viewers).
England starting seven: Razia Quashie (GK), Francesa Williams (GD), Ellie Rattu (WD), Amy Carter (C), Jess Shaw (WA), Paige Reed (GA), Liv Tchine (GS)
Uganda starting seven: Haniisha Muhameed (GK), Gloria Ayaa (GD), Nassimu Mutesi (WD), Margret Baagala (C), Racheal Nanyonga (WA), Irene Eyaru (GA), Mary Cholhok (GS)
