On the 19th January 2022, the England Vitality Roses took on the Australian Diamonds in a sharply contested netball match, with the final score being 58-46 to Australia. Both teams fought for victory until the final quarter when England endured a painful defeat.

 

With a confident starting lineup from both sides and fire in the bellies of all players following their draw the day before, it was set to be a match to remember. The Diamonds entered the court with their heads held high, ready to defend their title as reigning champions of the Quad Series. However, following their victory at the 2018 Commonwealth games, the England Roses demonstrated a calm determination as they warmed up. 

 

The first half of the match was filled with merciless aggression from both sides. Each turnover had the crowd on edge as players fought relentlessly, with frequent collisions in the battle for possession. The atmosphere was tense as players walked on court for the final quarter with just one goal separating the Diamonds from the Roses’ lead. But a newfound Australian vigour intimidated the Roses.  Head coach Jess Thirlby made substitutions with just nine minutes to go in a desperate attempt to salvage the situation as the Roses appeared to lack the hunger that had given them their early lead. But after Georgina Fisher’s first shot missed the net, the Diamonds lead grew as the ball glided down the court effortlessly to shooter Gretel Bueta in an almost mechanical process. England fans watched with tears in their eyes as the Australian Diamonds stormed towards a well-deserved sixth Quad Series title.

 

A 15 year old keen netballer who watched the match said ‘the atmosphere was so intense’, adding that it was ‘inspirational how hard both teams fought’, and that it made her want to ‘get back on court after learning so much from watching the professionals’. Despite their devastating defeat, the Roses serve as role models for future generations of young girls in sport, exemplifying strength and persistence in the face of adversity until the final whistle.

 

While the England Vitality Roses may have gone home in frustration, the 2022 Commonwealth Games beginning in July will provide another opportunity to go head to head with the Australian Diamonds and prove to the world that they are made of stronger stuff.