England’s Vitality Roses Aim for Triumphant Netball Finale Against New Zealand
England’s Vitality Roses have managed to level the three-match netball series against New Zealand with a nail-biting 61-58 victory. The second match took place at the Copper Box Arena in London, showcasing a significant improvement from their earlier loss to the Silver Ferns.
Coach Thirlby’s Insights
Head coach Jess Thirlby expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting their composure throughout the match. Thirlby remarked, “That’s the most composed I think I’ve seen us deep into a game.” She highlighted the physical and psychological strength displayed by the players in crucial moments.
Last Match Recap
The Roses faced several challenges during the game, often trailing behind New Zealand. Despite these hurdles, the team’s resilience shone through, especially in the closing stages. Thirlby praised the collective effort and specifically recognized Helen Housby for her outstanding performance.
- Match Details:
- Date: November 16, 2023
- Venue: Copper Box Arena, London
- Final Score: England 61 – 58 New Zealand
Player Spotlight: Helen Housby
Housby, who plays for New South Wales Swifts in Australia, was named player of the match after scoring 23 goals with an impressive accuracy of 96%. She expressed her excitement about returning to Manchester for the decisive match, emphasizing the significance of this series ahead of the Commonwealth Games next year.
Upcoming Matches
The third and final match of the series is set for November 19 at the AO Arena in Manchester. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports Mix, starting at 7 PM.
Vitality Netball International Series Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, November 15 | England vs New Zealand | Copper Box Arena, London |
| Sunday, November 16 | England vs New Zealand | Copper Box Arena, London |
| Wednesday, November 19 | England vs New Zealand | AO Arena, Manchester |
Looking Ahead
Following the series against New Zealand, the Vitality Roses will travel to Jamaica for a series scheduled in December. This includes two matches at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.
- Jamaica vs England Schedule:
- Saturday, December 6 – Kingston, Jamaica
- Sunday, December 7 – Kingston, Jamaica
- Saturday, December 13 – Copper Box Arena, London
- Sunday, December 14 – Copper Box Arena, London
As the Roses prepare for their next challenges, they aim for a triumphant finale against New Zealand, making their journey an appealing one for both players and fans alike.
