Team England went three from three on Monday night recording a resounding 71 – 27 victory over fellow home nation Northern Ireland.
It was a display of perfection from England’s shooters who recorded an overall 93% shot success rate with fan favourite Helen Housby recording an outstanding individual rate of 100% .
Team England starting seven: Eboni Usoro-Brown (GK), Stacey Francis-Bayman (GD), Laura Malcolm (WD), Jade Clarke (C), Sophie Drakeford-Lewis (WA), Helen Housby (GA), Eleanor Cardwell (GS).
Substitutes: Geva Mentor, Imogen Allison, Natalie Metcalf, Layla Guscoth, Jo Harten
Northern Ireland starting seven: Michelle Magee (GK), Fionnuala Toner (GD), Niamh Cooper (WD), Caroline O'Hanlon (C), Michelle Drayne (WA), Emma Magee (GA), Ciara Crosbie (GS).
Substitutes: Maria McCann, Jenna Bowman, Frances Keenan, Georgie McGrath, Olivia McDonald
Quarter one:
Team England got off to a flying start in their third clash of the games. Facing fellow home nation Northern Ireland, the side in red saw Sophie Drakeford-Lewis gain her first start in the competition in the wing attack spot. Stealing aerial ball on the circle edge and delivering it straight into the hands of Eleanor Cardwell, Drakeford-Lewis soon shook off any nerves and settled into a dominant opening performance from England.
Struggling to convert goals for several minutes in the opening quarter, Northern Ireland increased their physicality in a bid to shut down England’s attacking form. Capitalising on errors, Team England remained composed and ended the quarter ahead by nine.
Quarter two:
The second quarter started with a determined Team England returning to court. Imogen Allison stepped out in the wing defence spot whilst Laura Malcolm moved into wing attack in place of Drakeford-Lewis who took on the goal attack position. Needing little time to adjust, England picked up where they left off and with Ellie Cardwell’s famous long bombs sinking through the net time and time again, the score line soon started to increase.
Meanwhile, in the defensive circle, Usoro-Brown and Francis-Bayman wreaked havoc on Northern Ireland’s shooters, picking up every missed shot and loose ball before delivering it quickly through court. Caroline O’Hanlon’s speed and physicality was evenly matched through court with England stalwart Jade Clarke stealing aerial ball in a ferocious match up enjoyed by the 9000 strong crowd.
Quarter three:
The penultimate quarter saw Head Coach Jess Thirlby rotate the bench and to the delight of the crowd, captain Nat Metcalf, Layla Guscoth and Geva Mentor were given the nod for the first time that day. After a fiery start and a physical encounter so far, England took their foot off the gas enough to record their lowest scoring quarter of the match, Northern Ireland however were unable to capitalise on England's momentary lull. Scoring fifteen goals in fifteen minutes, Team England still headed into the final quarter with a thirty one goal lead.
Quarter four:
Just fifteen minutes left on the clock and with a strong lead on the opposition, England looked to push down on the pedal for the final time and increase their lead even further. Slotting seamlessly into a familiar setting, Captain Nat Metcalf drew on years of experience with shooters Housby and Cardwell, each finding the ball time and time again under the net with fast paced feeds. With the home crowd chanting for more, Geva Mentor gave them exactly that. Plucking ball from the air, the six-time Commonwealth Games legend proved a force to be reckoned with for Northern Ireland’s shooting circle. Moving to centre for the final quarter, Imogen Allison used the solid support of her mid-court teammates to ensure the pace of the night’s game was matched whilst keeping the ball safe through court. Constantly looking to shut down the straight feed from the centre pass to Cardwell under the post, Northern Ireland rallied together and despite a last second long bomb it was all too little too late. Team England finished on top adding a third victory to their tally with a 71 - 27 win over Northern Ireland.
Team England continue their Commonwealth Games campaign in their next match against Uganda on Tuesday 2 August 2022 starting at 6pm.
Here’s a guide to the competition, including how you can follow all the action.
If you’re new to our sport and want to have a go yourself, we have programmes for everyone aged 5 to 95 from Bee Netball for children, to Back to Netball for those returning, to Walking Netball, a slower version of the game we love. Through the netball finder on our homepage, simply select play and enter your postcode and you’ll find a variety of sessions in your area.
Loved being in the crowd or watching from home? There's more live netball coming your way in England this October - book tickets now.
