Jamaica's Sunshine Girls etched their names in the history books by becoming the first holders of the Rhone/Hornbsy Trophy.
They did so following a thrilling 61-53 win over England Roses in the deciding game of the Horizon Netball Series at the National Indoor Sports Center on Tuesday night.
The victory saw the Sasher-Gaye Henry coached Girls securing a 2-1 series win as they reserved their finest performance for the final showdown.
The teams battled to a 49 all tie in the first game at the AO Arena in Manchester before the Roses won game two 55-47 at the same venue. The Sunshine Girls then won game three 50-49 before victory in the final game.
Henry while reflecting on the game and series, says it continues to be work in progress.
Earlier, England finished the first period 14-11 ahead as they seized the early initiative with fast-paced play and clinical shooting.
However, the Sunshine Girls turn things around in the second quarter and opened up a two-goal lead at 28-26 at the half time interval.
With both teams exchanging blows in end-to-end action, the Sunshine Girls held a 42-39 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Led by excellent defensive work from Captain Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, the Jamaicans then maintained their composure in the final quarter, and secured a comfortable 61-53 win in front of a massive home crowd.
Veteran goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George led the way with 40 goals from 43 attempts, while goal-attack Shanice Beckford scored 21 from 25 attempts.
Olivia Tchine scored 42 goals from 47 attempts for England, with Lois Pearson assisting with 11 from 13 attempts.
.
Comments