England netball defeat Jamaica in tight encounter to take 2-1 series victory

• England 63-59 Jamaica
• Skipper Natalie Metcalf shines in second-half recovery

England fought back from a half-time deficit to beat Jamaica 63-59 in their series decider at a sold-out Copper Box Arena in London, to triumph 2-1.

With the three-match series tied 1-1, there was a keen sense of anticipation in the crowd. England made two changes from the side beaten in the second game, with Geva Mentor making her first start of the series and the skipper, Natalie Metcalf, recalled at wing attack.

Metcalf was influential as England took a four-goal lead into the second quarter but Jamaica, ranked fourth in the world and one place below the Vitality Roses, surged back for a slender 31-30 lead at the halfway stage. England edged the final two quarters and Jamaica’s task was made harder by the suspension of the wing defence Crystal Plummer for continuous obstruction.

Metcalf told the BBC: “I feel really emotional. To secure the series on home soil, I’m really proud. This is massive – Jamaica are an incredible team, playing against them is so hard every time, so for us to have this opportunity to play them and test ourselves for the last time before the World Cup, it’s been crucial for us.”

England are next in action at the Quad Series in South Africa from 21 January, with matches against the hosts, Australia and New Zealand.

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