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Jamaica sealed the victory and the series as they defeat England's Vitality Roses 61-53

Jess Anderson
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England sealed a comprehensive 55-47 victory over Jamaica in the second match of the Horizon series.

With the score tied at 24-24 at half-time in the Manchester meeting, the hosts pulled away in the second half to clinch the first win of the four-match series in front of a buoyant crowd.

The Roses will take a 1-0 lead to Jamaica after the Sunshine Girls scored in the last second to snatch a thrilling 49-49 draw in Saturday's opening match.

"To come back out and be able to elevate our performance from yesterday in lots of areas is pleasing," said head coach Jess Thirlby.

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England are ranked second in the world and come into the competition after winning the Taini Jamison Trophy in New Zealand in October.

Jamaica are fourth in the world but before this series had not played since November 2023, when they finished fifth in the Fast5 World Series.

The Horizon Series will take place over four years between the two sides, with two matches in England and two in Jamaica each year.

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The first game of the series ended a 49-49 draw and England won the second game 55-49, meaning they have a 1-0 lead heading to Jamaica.

Game 3 - Saturday, 23 November - Kingston, Jamaica

23:20 - Watch on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iPlayer and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Sport website and app

Game 4 - Sunday, 24 November - Kingston, Jamaica23:50 - Watch on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iPlayer and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Sport website and app

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Image source, Getty Images

England goal-defence Funmi Fadoju excelled as the Roses won the Taini Jamison Trophy. She also managed the most interceptions, gains and deflections in the Netball Super League for London Pulse and will be a key part in coach Jess Thirlby's plans to stop Jamaica's attack.

Roses goal-attack Lois Pearson had an excellent season for Manchester Thunder, earning her Player’s Player of the Season in the Netball Super League, and has featured in all six of England's matches in her debut season with the Roses.

For the opponents, defender and vice-captain Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, who helped the Adelaide Thunderbirds retain the Suncorp Super Netball League title and finished top of the rankings for defensive rebounds, deflections and interceptions, will be one to watch for Jamaica.

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