Jamaica, England to meet in new netball series

A new four-year home and away clash, dubbed the Vitality Netball Horizon Series, between Jamaica's Sunshine Girls and England's Roses, is set to start later this year.

England's Vitality Roses will host the Sunshine Girls for the first two matches of the series at the AO Arena in Manchester, England, on November 16 and 17. The second leg of the series will be staged in Jamaica at the National Indoor Sports Centre on November 25 and 26.

This international series will take on the same format over the next three years and Sunshine Girls head coach Sasher-Gaye Henry said the team is looking forward to the clash.

"We have not been having any international series so we are quite excited (as) all the other top teams have been doing it. It will do a lot for us as we will be getting back into international preparation and it will also boost our confidence," Henry said.

Henry said the team will be making a special effort to capitalise on these series. This includes trying to get more local players in the English professional league.

She also said the recently concluded Elite League has helped in the team's preparation for the upcoming clash against England.

"The Elite League was used as part of the preparation and selection process. We also got a chance to look at some new talent," she said.

Jamaica currently trails England on the World Netball ranking. England are ranked third and Jamaica fourth. The two teams last met in 2023 in a three-match 'Test' series played in Manchester and London which saw the Vitality Roses defeat Jamaica 73-52 in the first match, take a narrow 58-61 loss in the second match, and claim the series with a 63-59 win in the third and final 'Test'.

Although both teams participated in the Netball World Cup last summer, the teams did not meet in the draw. The competition ended with Jamaica claiming bronze and England taking home the silver medal.

To improve on their international performance and ranking, Henry said series like this is needed.

"Once we start competing at this level all the top teams will want to compete with us. This will definitely bring other teams on board," she said. "We already have a series coming up against South Africa in January."