Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Horizon Series 2024: Jamaica beat England to win best-of-four series in Kingston

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Jamaica claimed a convincing victory against England to win the inaugural Horizon Series 2-1 and lift the Rhone Hornsby Trophy.

The Sunshine Girls, who forced a decider in the four-match series with a last-second goal in game three, ran out 61-53 winners on Tuesday.

Jess Thirlby’s England side led by four goals at the end of the opening quarter.

But Jamaica, roared on by a home crowd in Kingston, cancelled out the visitor’s lead by half-time before stretching eight goals clear.

“It’s disappointing for us when we started that game so strongly to let them back in,” said England captain Francesca Williams.

“It’s an amazing experience to play here. This heat and the atmosphere and vibes they have here – but that’s no excuse for not showing up and being able to perform.”

Jamaica scored in the final second of the opening match in Manchester to clinch a 49-49 draw, but the Roses levelled the series with a 55-47 victory in the second game.

“It’s an overwhelming feeling,” said Jamaica captain Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, who was named player of the series.

“My team hasn’t played international netball since the World Cup and to come out here and put out a performance like that against a team who have played 17 Test matches is very commendable.”

The Horizon Series will take place over four years between the two sides, with two matches in England and two in Jamaica each year.

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