Roaring, excitement and passion – all whizzing throughout the Motorpoint Arena on the 2nd of February, the day of the Roses’ massive efforts against South Africa with a final score of 59-61, still prospering them to the finals, unblocking a significant moment in the entire tournament.
On the second day of the Vitality’s Netball Nationals Cup, 4 teams were up against each other in line for the finals – Malawi vs Uganda and England vs South Africa. The day starting with strong pressure from Uganda scoring the first goals against Malawi with technique and height is the same way South Africa came in with a dominating lead in their match. However, this didn’t stop England from bouncing back to narrow the scores in the first quarter, deadlocking at 14-14. This was fuelled by the Roses’ determination simultaneously with the fiery support from their home crowd, moving both teams into the second quarter in a thrilling contest for the lead.
Regardless of South Africa’s strong start, England refuses to stay behind, equalising the scores with each set back. However, this triggers South Africa to intensify their defence tactics, leading them to engage in their swift attacking, compelling them to lead the first half. Yet again, this failed to disrupt England’s eagerness for the trophy as they close the gap with 6 seconds to spare, leaving the third quarter in a dramatic finish.
Despite the escalating pressure, both teams shone through in the final quarter with powerful interceptions from the Roses’ and rapid, tight-knitted passes from South Africa. Yet this equally distributed momentum changes, as South Africa’s great use of body expansion, use of space and their placements and quick-witted tactical throws, quickens the pace of the game, throwing England off speed. As the Roses sustain their rebutting efforts too, they create a massive turnover, lowering the goal-gap to 2 a couple minutes before the buzzer, ending the game in a climatic yet honouring way on both sides.
The Roses’ showing a tough fight of perseverance, efficient collaboration and emitting pressure is what got them so far in the tournament, highlighting a crucial moment for the England Roses’, lifting their first Netball Nations Cup. Evidently proving their credentials as to being a strong force in international netball. In spite of this match differing from their victory in the previous day against Malawi, beating them 62-36, the Roses were able to come back with persistence, drive and high belief in their team, proving this to be a testament of their faith, intensity and resilience, sustaining England’s presence in the top-tier international world of netball.
Edited by Fernando Vieira Ladaga Leomil.
Image Source: Unsplash.
