England win Vitality Netball Nations Cup for the first time after defeating South Africa 61-55 in the final.
Player of the Series Liv Tchine (Photo: Morgan Harlow )
Goal shooter Liv Tchine was named Vitality Player of the Series after a stand out performance in the final saw her score 49 goals for England with 100% accuracy.
Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby said: “It’s really pleasing, and there’s so many reasons why, not simply just the scoreboard and the medals, but also given the challenges that we were faced with.
Taking a really exciting but evolving team with debutants fronting up in that shooting circle that haven’t ever done that before as well as lots of different combinations that we’ve uncovered.
“I’m just incredibly proud for Fran [Williams, Vitality Roses captain] and the girls because I think the way in which they carried themselves through these challenges is worlds apart from where we were five years ago. I think they really embraced that and I don’t feel like we’re fearing those challenges anymore.
“I’m not saying it’s perfect, I don’t think there’s a perfect game to be played but I think it’s about being persistent and I think we did that really well today.”
Speaking of her award, Vitality Player of the Series Liv Tchine said: “I was actually shocked but I’m really happy that I was able to do it, and I wouldn’t have been able to without the support of the girls, they made it so much easier for me.
“We came out and knew South Africa were going to come out stronger and they did. The first quarter they really came out and showed they meant business, but we knew that we weren’t going to slack so I’m happy that we were able to find that extra one percent, that extra gear to go and win.
“As we continue to build these connections I don’t see why we can’t be in these finals and continue to be amongst the New Zealands, South Africas and Australias of the world. We’re looking forward to it, we’re going to keep working and see where it goes.”
With thanks to England Netball
