LONDON, England, CMC – England delivered a commanding performance to defeat a short-handed Jamaica 80-37 at the Copper Box Arena here on Saturday, marking a strong start to their two-match netball series.
The hosts, seeking redemption after two consecutive losses to the Caribbean side, imposed their authority from the outset.
Led by an inspirational captain’s performance from Fran Williams, named Player of the Match, England built a formidable 23-point lead by halftime and never relented.
The victory serves as a measure of revenge for England, who were dethroned from third place in the world rankings by Jamaica earlier this year.
The Sunshine Girls had claimed the inaugural Horizon Series 2-1 in 2024, a result that propelled them above their rivals.
This 2025 series was initially scheduled as a four-test contest, with two matches in Jamaica in early December followed by two in England.
However, the fixtures in Kingston were cancelled due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, leaving Jamaica underprepared and unable to field their full-strength squad.
The two nations will complete their abbreviated series with a second match at the same venue on Sunday, where Jamaica will aim for a swift response.
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