England soared to a 53-45 win over Uganda to wrap up Vitality Netball International Series victory at London’s Copper Box Arena.
A third-quarter surge helped Jess Thirlby’s side quell the She Cranes and settle the three-match series with a game to play.
The two sides return to the Copper Box for the Vitality Netball International Series finale tomorrow, centre pass 14:00.
Vitality Roses starting seven: Alice Harvey (GK), Francesca Williams (GD), Imogen Allison (WD), Laura Malcolm (C), Chelsea Pitman (WA), Sophie Drakeford-Lewis (GA), Eleanor Cardwell (GS)
Substitutes: Zara Everitt, Funmi Fadoju, Hannah Joseph, Ellie Rattu, Olivia Tchine
Uganda starting seven: Proscovia Peace (GK), Joan Nampungu (GD), Sandra Nambridge (WD), Margaret Baagala (C), Irene Erayu (WA), Shadia Nassanga (GA), Mary Cholhok (GS)
Substitutes: Viola Asingo, Falidah Kadondi, Haniisha Muhammad, Shakira Nakanyike, Rosette Namutebi
Quarter one:
After sprinting out of the blocks in the series opener, both sides took some time settling into the second game seeing their first attacks fade out.
But the Vitality Roses soon got into the grove and through a high press forced a couple of Ugandan errors to establish an early lead, keeping the visitors at arm’s length and emerging from the first quarter with a 13-9 advantage.
Quarter two:
Just as in Nottingham, Uganda - now able to select from a squad of 12 rather than nine - raised their game in the second quarter.
Hard work from Joan Nampungu in the midcourt and some signature Cholhok layup shooting saw them score three straight goals and close the gap to 18-17.
Fresh from her debut in the week, Funmi Fadoju was brought into the game nine minutes into the second quarter, replacing Alice Harvey as Fran Williams moved from goal defence to goal keeper. The pair established a strong relationship, thwarting the visitors momentum.
Olivia Tchine replaced Sophie Drakeford-Lewis at goal shooter and netted twice in quick succession to see the Vitality Roses into a slender half-time lead at 24-23.
Quarter three:
Into the second half and Head Coach Jess Thirlby continued to ring the changes and brought fresh legs into the contest for what proved to be a ‘Championship quarter.’ Zara Everitt came in at wing defence in place of Imogen Allison, Hannah Joseph relieved Chelsea Pitman at wing attack and Drakeford-Lewis came back in for Cardwell.
Fran Williams, who eventually came away with Vitality Player of the Match, was tenacious in the circle and earned a crucial turnover midway through the third quarter to help turn the tide.
The Vitality Roses opened up their lead to seven at 34-27 as Joseph looped the ball from just inside the final third to Tchine under the post, a pick of the play in the third quarter.
A misplaced attacking pass from Uganda helped the Vitality Roses go on a match-defining run, with Joseph feeding Tchine before the Pulse shooter combined with Drakeford-Lewis to extend the lead to ten at 43-33.
Quarter four:
The Vitality Roses took a commanding lead into the final quarter but Uganda weren’t going away as Cholhok twice laid up to cut the deficit.
Despite levelling the score for the quarter late on, it proved too little, too late as the hosts held on for a 53-45 win, wrapping up the overall series victory with a game to play.
The Vitality Roses close out the series tomorrow with one more game at the Copper Box Arena.
Tickets are still available for the third and final test – get yours here.
You can also watch the series on Sky Sports Mix and YouTube.
