England were offered a netball lesson in defence and attack by a vibrant Jamaica side in the opening match of their three-match series at London’s Copper Box Arena.
The hosts started strongly after the crowd rose to honour Jade Clarke as the most capped England player of all time on her 130th appearance.
They moved into an early lead on the back of some fine shooting from Joanne Harten but Jamaica’s own expert finisher Jhaniele Fowler-Reid soon took over. Fowler-Reid’s unerring accuracy inspired the Sunshine Girls into a 31-27 half-time lead and they never looked back.
Shamera Sterling was impressive at the back for Jamaica, whose athleticism and physical style of play forced England into numerous errors. By the end a heavy 66-49 defeat told its own story for the home side.
