England overcame a series-opening defeat against South Africa with a win in the second game in Johannesburg to advance to Sunday’s final match. The match was decided live on Sky Sports YouTube.
The much-changed team came from down 52-48 on Thursday to a 61-49 win over the Vitality Roses. The Vitality Roses are ranked fourth in the world, one place above their opponents.
The adjustments, which included Lois Pearson moving to a wing attack, paid off in a must-win encounter on Saturday.
A Helen Housby penalty left the score at 13-13 after the first quarter, but South Africa then took control and built a seven-goal lead before Funmi Fadoju led a rally for the visitors.
Helen Housby got on the scoresheet for Vitality Roses.
Vitality Roses took the ‘Championship Quarter’ 9-18 to create an eight-goal cushion at 44-36 with 15 minutes left and did not falter from there.
Watch Crunch Game 3 live on Sky Sports YouTube from 2pm on Sunday.
Thirlby: England were smart and committed.
Manager Jess Thirlby said: “I think we were smarter with the ball and moved the ball a bit better around our excellent defence.
“I think you saw the passion and commitment on defense from our entire unit, including our attacking players. They contributed, tired us up and forced some mistakes so we could take advantage of that. It was another fantastic performance and we prepared well (Sunday).”
England captain Fran Williams, who made two vital interceptions in the third quarter and was named player of the match, added: “I think we showed that composure in a way that allowed us to weather that storm early. South Africa called all the shots, as we knew they would.
England captain Fran Williams has been named Player of the Match.
“They have played some amazing netball in this series so I think they did a really good job of allowing us to get a goal on goal and then take our time in the second half to put pressure on the scoreboard.
“I liked the way we played in the last quarter. We didn’t make too many flashy plays. I was happy to sit back and score a goal knowing we got the job done. The Smarts got us over the line.”
Williams added ahead of the crucial match: “I think we need to take it to the next level.
“How exciting for both sides to practice in a must-win game. That’s what we want in a Commonwealth Games year.”
