Guscoth leads fightback as England defeat Jamaica 73-52

The Surrey Storm defender was named player of the match as the Vitality Roses took an early lead in the three-Test series against the Commonwealth Games silver medallists. 

The teams will now travel to the Copper Box Arena in London for two sold-out games on Saturday and Sunday with live coverage continuing on the BBC. 

A rocky start saw Jamaica take a six-goal lead by the end of the first quarter with Guscoth and Funmi Fadoju of London Pulse realising the size of the challenge to defend against Jhaniele Fowler.

Starting 2023 off right 🤩@LaylaGuscoth is your @Vitality_UK Player of the Match after a stellar performance 👏 pic.twitter.com/X9tSLmrUTp

— England Netball (@EnglandNetball) January 11, 2023

Fowler’s height and reach saw long balls regularly find the shooter with former NSL stars Helen Housby and Jo Harten keeping England in touching distance at the opposite end of the court. 

The Manchester crowd roared the Roses into the second quarter, with international netball returning to the city for the first time since 2016. 

Manchester Thunder and England netball captain Nat Metcalf helped to set up England’s attack at wing attack, ably assisted by new London Pulse recruit Jade Clarke at centre, with Imogen Allison of Team Bath completing the mid-court. 

Alice Harvey was brought into the defensive circle in the second quarter, the Loughborough Lightning player adding height and stifling Jamaica’s attack as England reduced the deficit to 34-31 by the halfway mark.  

After the half-time break, England clicked into gear as Jamaica faltered, Metcalf and Allison combining brilliantly to push the Roses into the lead for the first time. 

This. Quarter. 🥵

The Vitality Roses come from behind to lead by two but @NetballJamaica make it all square again ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/Cf7tzpL69M

— England Netball (@EnglandNetball) January 11, 2023

This was also Guscoth’s time to shine as she slowed down play to frustrate the Sunshine Girls as England went into the final 15 minutes with a two-goal lead. 

The Vitality Roses pulled away in the final quarter much to the delight of the home crowd as head coach Jess Thirlby made changes. 

Fadoju was brought back on and excelled in the goal defence bib as she was joined by her London Pulse teammates Olivia Tchine and Chelsea Pitman who helped power England past 70 and to a comfortable win.