In their first home match since claiming the runners-up spot in the World Cup in August, England held off a strong South African fightback to come through 54-51 in the first of their three-match series; Eleanor Cardwell top scored for the Red Roses with 34 goals
Wednesday 6 December 2023 06:27, UK
Eleanor Cardwell scored 34 goals as England got off to a winning start in their Netball International Series against South Africa in Manchester.
In their first home match since claiming the runners-up spot in the World Cup in August, the hosts held off a strong South African fightback to come through 54-51 in the first of their three-match series.
Coach Jess Thirlby handed out five debuts and England started well with Imogen Allison especially impressive as they finished the first quarter with a 16-11 advantage.
England extended their lead to eight points after the second quarter but South Africa edged the third by a point and came on strong late on, forcing the Roses to hold on to earn their win.
"We know we've got more to come but I'm really pleased with the players that came off the bench," Thirlby said.
"To know we've got more to come and take the win against a stellar team like South Africa with really experienced players is a great sign but we know that the performance will need to improve for Saturday."
England captain for the series, Fran Williams, added: "The first half felt really calm but in the second half it got a bit scrappier and we gave up a bit too much ball.
"A South Africa team are never going to go down without a fight against England and they came out in the third quarter and were dominant, physical and caught us off the ball.
"We just need make sure we're ready and make sure we can have a start like we had today and hold out even longer."
Imogen Allison was named player of the match after producing 24 feeds and three intercepts.
"It felt great to be back out there and I haven't had an international match since the World Cup," Allison said. "So it was a really exciting one.
"It felt really good. I think we had a lot of eye contact with the shooters and even when it was a bit of a tussle in there, they were like, 'yeah, give it in.' So I was like, 'OK, if you want it.'
"It felt really connected."
The second Test between the Vitality Roses and South Africa takes place on Saturday December 9 at 5pm, live on Sky Sports Mix and YouTube. You can rewatch the first match here.
