Staged on 16 and 17 November at the AO Arena in Manchester and then a reverse leg on 25 and 26 November at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, Jamaica, England will take on the Jamaican Sunshine Girls in a home and away format in what is set to be an incredible showcase of international netball between the world ranked two and four nations.

14 of the squad from the Vitality Roses’ recent tour to Australia and New Zealand, which saw England defeat world number one Australia on home soil for only the third time ever and win the Taini Jamison Trophy against then world number two New Zealand in the first two test matches for the first time in history, have been named in the squad to face Jamaica. Meanwhile, Halimat Adio has also been named in the squad via the P3 route, by which athletes not able to be in the full time Vitality Roses programme due to work or academia can be considered for selection.

Eleanor Cardwell (due to injury), Jasmine Brown (due to injury) and Nat Metcalf (managing a medical matter) were not available for selection.

Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby commented: “To have established a new groundbreaking series against Jamaica will not only prove valuable to our own preparations for the Netball World Cup in 2027 and beyond but also adds what will be a hotly anticipated series to the international calendar between two nations with aspirations to challenge the world order in the years to come.

“The history between our two nations speaks for itself. In recent years we have enjoyed series wins at home, but we are under no illusion that this new format, involving playing away in Jamaica, poses very different challenges and that the Sunshine Girls have arguably the best shooter and defensive unit in world netball right now. This is exactly why we want to play them and to do this so soon after playing both Australia and New Zealand allows us to continue that momentum against another world-leading team.

“A third of our selected team have never played against Jamaica before and the remainder of the squad have only done so between one to five times, so this will be a brilliant opportunity for us to strengthen both our understanding and experience of the dynamic Jamaican style of play, full of flair, speed and athleticism. I’m really looking forward to what will be an incredible match up.”

Meanwhile, a 10-strong squad has been selected to represent the Vitality Roses at the FAST5 Netball World Series in Christchurch, New Zealand from 9-10 November.

FAST5 is a shorter, faster-paced version of the game with five players on each side. England, who finished in third place last year, will come up against the other sides ranked in the world’s top six nations: Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, South Africa and Uganda. The six teams will go head-to-head in preliminary matches before competing for final placings on the last day.

The squad includes a mix of Vitality Roses and Future Roses, marking the first call up to a senior England squad for Future Roses Sophie Egbaran, Harriet Jones, Sophie Kelly, Isabella Phillips and Emma Rayner.

Vitality Rose Paige Reed returns to the competition for the third time after picking up the Player of the Series award in 2023. Jayda Pechova also returns following the 2023 tournament, as do Zara Everitt, Tash Pavelin and Alicia Scholes who all represented England at the FAST5 World Series in 2022. 

Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby commented: “Our FAST5 selection sees an exciting mix of Vitality Roses and Future Roses take to the global stage, some for the first time, and they will get to compete against very credible line-ups in the opposing teams. This has proven so valuable over the last few years, helping to accelerate some of our brightest talent into Vitality Roses teams today and allowing for much needed positional exposure and development. The FAST5 environment is always well supported and hosted in big arenas and so exposes players to conditions akin to those they aspire to be a part of in the future.” 

Roses Pathway Head Coach Sonia Mkoloma added: “What an exciting opportunity we have for the athletes selected for the FAST5 tournament to showcase their talent on the international stage in front of a fun and passionate New Zealand crowd. 

“The squad is made up of a nice mixture of experienced players from the Vitality Roses environment and players from within the Future Roses squad, who for some it will be their first time on the senior international stage. I know it will be a great experience for the players as they will be challenged and will learn more about themselves under the pressures of the modified game. I’m looking forward to seeing them all step up and perform in the red dress.”  

Finally, a 12-player squad has been revealed confirming who will play two behind closed doors fixtures as England A on Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14 November in Manchester. Featuring a mix of Vitality Roses and Future Roses this squad will face Zimbabwe and Scotland, providing vital experience.

Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby commented: “To have secured England A fixtures against both Scotland and Zimbabwe allows for nearly all of our athletes across both our Vitality Roses and Future Roses programmes to get some valuable match minutes in the red dress, from experienced Vitality Roses to those athletes on the road to the Netball World Youth Cup next year in Gibraltar. We believe that there is so much for each individual to gain from these fixtures, including positional development, exposure against two very different styles of play and more time on task for our less experienced players or those returning from injury. England A fixtures have proven so important in us uncovering new talent over the years and so we are really looking forward to these matches.”

Tickets for the Vitality Netball Horizon Series are available to purchase here.  

For more information about the FAST5 Netball World Series including broadcast plans, visit their website. 

Details on the broadcast plans for the Vitality Netball Horizon Series will be announced nearer to the time. 

The full list of fixtures and timings are as follows:  

Vitality Netball Horizon Series 

Saturday 16 November, 16:00 – AO Arena, Manchester 

Sunday 17 November, 14:00 – AO Arena, Manchester 

Monday 25 November, time to be confirmed – National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston, Jamaica 

Tuesday 26 November, time to be confirmed – National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston, Jamaica 

FAST5 Netball World Series 

Friday 8 November, 23:30 (GMT) Saturday 9 November, 12:30 (NZDT) England vs. South Africa

Saturday 9 November, 2:30 (GMT) 15:30 (NZDT) England vs. Jamaica

Saturday 9 November, 5:45 (GMT) 18:45 (NZDT) England vs. Uganda

Sunday 10 November, 0:30 (GMT) 13:30 (NZDT) New Zealand vs. England

Sunday 10 November, 2:00 (GMT) 15:00 (NZDT) Australia vs. England

Sunday 10 November, 4:40 (GMT) 17:40 (NZDT) 5th/6th play off

Sunday 10 November, 5:30 (GMT) 18:30 (NZDT) 3rd/4th play off

Sunday 10 November, 7:10 (GMT) 20:10 (NZDT) Final

England A 

Tuesday 12 November, England A vs. Zimbabwe, behind closed doors

Thursday 14 November, England A vs. Scotland, behind closed doors 

With thanks to England Netball

It will be a second successive appearance at the tournament for the 19-year-old defender, who competed on the senior international stage for the first time at the 2022 event.

It is also a quick return to New Zealand for Pechova, who made her senior Test debut in last month’s Taini Jamison Trophy series against the Silver Ferns.

Pechova combines her netball career with a Sports Performance foundation degree at the University of Bath, where she is supported by a Trendell Sporting Scholarship. She is joined in the 10-strong squad by University of Bath alumnae and former Team Bath Super League player Paige Reed.

The FAST5 Netball World Series will see England, who finished fourth last year, will come up against the other sides ranked in the world’s top six nations – New Zealand, Australia, Jamaica, South Africa and Malawi. The teams will go head-to-head in preliminary matches before competing for final placings on the last day.

Tickets are now on sale to see Pechova and her Team Bath team-mates in Super League action at the Team Bath Arena during the 2024 season – visit netball.teambath.com/tickets for more details.

With thanks to Team Bath

The Haines Watts-sponsored Blue & Gold squad comprised nine players who had featured in the  Super League this season, while it was the first senior Team Bath call-up for Ellen Morgan. The team came out all guns blazing and produced some fearless play to take the opening match against Surrey Storm 23-16. Next up, Team Bath faced Manchester Thunder in a real nail-biter, which saw the Blue & Gold hold their nerve to clinch the win in the dying moments, 29-26. After two wins, the team had some pressure taken off in the knowledge they were through to the final four without having to play an extra match.

Team Bath, who are also supported by Rengen, provided plenty of entertainment throughout the action-packed evening for the spectators watching live in the Copper Box Arena, and live on Sky Sports.

The Semi-final against Leeds Rhinos showcased the defending champions’ fine form. With the final in their sights, Team Bath stormed through and, after a vital 10-pointer was scored during power play, the Rhinos could not force a come back and the 37-19 win secured Team Bath a place in the final.

Up against Manchester Thunder for the second time in the Championship, MVP Gabby Sinclair showcased why she was one of the stars and Thunder racked up the points during normal play and power play to overcome Team Bath 51-9 to take the title.

Head Coach Asha Francis commented “This was a whole squad effort; everyone contributed to our success. Rotating the players every game meant that training associate Ellen Morgan also played for the first time at this level, and it was brilliant to see how she played with such composure under pressure and for her to have the opportunity in this environment.

“The energy and determination of each individual was impressive. Unfortunately, our luck ran out in the final, however, this was a great way to celebrate the end of the season and for the girls to enjoy success and positivity in the way they played.

‘’It’s time for a well-earned rest now before we go again next season!’’

Team Bath Netball Fast5 squad: Lily-May Catling, Kadeen Corbin, Betsy Creak, Kirsty Harris, Sophie Kelly, Phoebe Maslen, Ellen Morgan, Caroline Mtukule, Hannah Passmore, Jayda Pechova.

Team Bath Netball is supported by its Principal and Pathway Partner, chartered accountants Haines Watts; Bath Building Society and Rengen Developments, who are overall Team Bath Partners; Centurion Chartered Financial Planners; Ecus Ltd, our environment partner; and PDS Coaching, who provide performance mentoring. Team Bath’s suppliers include O’Neills and 2XU.

With thanks to Team Bath

Nine of the players have represented the Haines Watts-sponsored Blue & Gold in the Super League this season, while Ellen Morgan earns her first senior Team Bath call-up.

The mid-courter has been a Super League training associate for the past two seasons having previously represented Team Bath U21s in the Netball Performance League (NPL). A performance coach at Millfield School in Somerset, Morgan was also part of the Wales Development Squad that competed in the recent Europe Netball Open Challenge.

Joining her at the Copper Box Arena will be Betsy Creak and Kirsty Harris, who were part of the Team Bath squad that won the Fast5 title when it was last contested in October 2021. Kadeen Corbin, who played for Saracens Mavericks in that final, is back in Blue & Gold on this occasion along with Lily-May Catling, Sophie Kelly, Phoebe Maslen, Caroline Mtukule, Hannah Passmore and Jayda Pechova.

Asha Francis, Team Bath Netball Head Coach, said: “Fast5 will be a fun way to end the season. It’s a great celebration of the sport, exciting and explosive, and the players have been working on their entrance dance moves!

“We obviously want to go there and win again, and I think we have the squad to do that. We have some cracking shooters who will back themselves for five-pointers.

“It’s nice to be able to give Ellen this opportunity too. She has given a lot to the club over the past few years and committed so much to the training programme, she deserves this reward. She is also super-fit and you have to be when you are a centre at Fast5.”

Morgan added: “It’s super exciting. Asha gave me a call last week to say I was in the squad. I was in the car with my family and I cried, happy tears! I wasn’t expecting it at all.

“I’ve been with Team Bath for three years and I have learnt so much, the calibre of players and coaches we have is awesome. It’s an amazing environment to be involved in and I can’t wait to get out on court.”

Team Bath will battle it out with Mavericks, Surrey Storm, Manchester Thunder, Leeds Rhinos, London Pulse, Severn Stars and Strathclyde Sirens for a slice of the £100,000 prize fund over five action-packed hours, beginning with the first centre pass at 5.30pm and the final set to conclude at 10.30pm.

Featuring 12-minute matches, an all-star 5-point line and a Golden Buzzer Power Play, Fast5 provides an all-action evening of non-stop, pulsating netball. Tickets are on sale priced from just £10 – visit https://fast5allstars.com/ to find out more.

Team Bath Netball is supported by its Principal and Pathway Partner, chartered accountants Haines Watts; Bath Building Society and Rengen Developments, who are overall Team Bath Partners; Centurion Chartered Financial Planners; Ecus Ltd, our environment partner; and PDS Coaching, who provide performance mentoring. Team Bath’s suppliers include O’Neills and 2XU.

Team Bath Netball squad: Lily-May Catling, Kadeen Corbin, Betsy Creak, Kirsty Harris, Sophie Kelly, Phoebe Maslen, Ellen Morgan, Caroline Mtukule, Hannah Passmore, Jayda Pechova.

With thanks to Team Bath

The Haines Watts-sponsored Blue & Gold produced a series of tactical team performances and impactful displays from every player in the 10-strong squad to take the title, captain Imogen Allison lifting the trophy following a 23-17 win over Saracens Mavericks in the final.

Lucy Herdman, brought into the squad for her shooting expertise, scored two crucial last-gasp goals en route to the final and England star Layla Guscoth became the first defender ever to be named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after helping a well-organised Team Bath outfit bounce back from defeat to Manchester Thunder in their second game with some inspirational displays.

An excellent day all round saw Academy graduates Molly Hole and Lily Jones make their senior debuts for Team Bath, whose triumphant squad also included vice-captain Sophie Drakeford-Lewis, Betsy Creak, Kirsty Harris, Tash Pavelin and Jess Shaw.

Anna Stembridge, Team Bath Superleague Head Coach, said: “It’s been so much fun. We’ve tried to embrace the rules and we’ve loved it. Ultimately you play the game to win but we also talk about having fun and we wanted to do that.

“There were some close games which were great for the spectators but not great for my hairline! Having that loss against Thunder put the fire in the belly and it meant we could control the narrative.”

Guscoth added: “It was a hard day but a good day and all worth it to come away with a gold medal, we loved it. I am the old one in the team, these guys kept me going, and all credit to [fellow defenders] Molly and Tash. It’s nice to get the win and hopefully it gives our players plenty of confidence to come away with. Thank you so much to everyone that came out to support.”

Team Bath, who are also supported by Rengen, provided plenty of entertainment and drama throughout an action-packed day for the spectators watching in the Arena, on Sky Sports and online.

Herdman’s first last-second winner came in their opening match against London Pulse, the Severn Stars player holding her nerve to secure a 27-26 victory, but Manchester Thunder used their Golden Buzzer two-minute double-points powerplay to excellent effect in the second match to beat Team Bath 36-16.

The double-elimination format meant Team Bath had a second chance to reach the semi-finals and they took it confidently, this time beating Pulse 23-17 to set up a showdown with 2018 champions Wasps.

The Blue & Gold played brilliantly to lead 28-23 with a minute to go, only to be pegged back to all square by a Wasps five-pointer, but the last action of a thrilling contest saw Allison’s feed rebound off the post to the perfectly-positioned Herdman, who finished coolly to send her team through to the final.

Team Bath had lost their previous Fast5 final in 2017 but came out on top this time as they used their Golden Buzzer perfectly to build up a lead against Mavericks, then worked tirelessly to keep their dangerous opponents at arm’s length to secure a 23-17 success and the silverware.

It was a great way to start preparations for the 2022 Vitality Superleague season, which begins in February. Tickets are going on sale soon, visit netball.teambath.com/tickets for more information.

Team Bath Netball is supported by its Principal and Pathway Partner, chartered accountants Haines Watts; Rengen Developments, who are an overall Team Bath Partner; Centurion Chartered Financial Planners and Ecus Ltd, our environment partner. Team Bath’s suppliers include O’Neills, 2XU, Pulseroll and HALO Hydration.

With thanks to the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd

Herdman, who plays goal-keeper for Severn Stars in the Vitality Superleague, will be deployed at the other end of the court by the Haines Watts-sponsored Blue & Gold in Saturday’s day-long competition at London’s Copper Box Arena.

It was a role she excelled in two years ago for Celtic Dragons, netting a number of long-range goals from the five-point line to help the Welsh club reach the semi-finals.

“It was amazing,” said Herdman. “The atmosphere was great and I loved every minute of it – the long shots, obviously, but the tempo of the game and the completely different vibe.”

With Stars finishing outside the Superleague top eight last season and missing out on qualification, Herdman is grateful for the opportunity to play Fast5 again as part of an exciting 10-strong Team Bath squad, who are also backed by Rengen.

“Anna Stembridge got in touch and I was over the moon to be contacted by her,” said Herdman, is from Coventry and studied at the University of Worcester.

“After having a little chat I decided to go for it and I’m really excited to play for Team Bath. I’ve been here a few times for Prem and Uni matches, and the facilities are amazing. I’m really enjoying getting to know everyone in the squad and looking forward to playing alongside them on match-day.”

Fast5 is a high-octane version of netball featuring teams of five players, rather than seven, contesting 12-minute matches. As well as the three and five-point shooting lines, a Golden Buzzer also offers teams the chance to double their points during a two-minute Power Play meaning momentum can rapidly swing.

Joining Herdman in the Team Bath squad are captain Imogen Allison, vice-captain Sophie Drakeford-Lewis, Betsy Creak, Layla Guscoth, Kirsty Harris, Lucy Herdman, Molly Hole, Lily Jones, Tash Pavelin and Jess Shaw.

The action gets under way at 1.15pm, with Team Bath’s opening match against London Pulse scheduled for 2.13pm. The ‘second chance’ format means all teams get to play at least twice and there are 13 matches in total, with the final scheduled for 5.28pm. Visit https://fast5allstars.com/ for further details.

Team Bath Netball is supported by its Principal and Pathway Partner, chartered accountants Haines Watts; Rengen Developments, who are an overall Team Bath Partner; Centurion Chartered Financial Planners and Ecus Ltd, our environment partner. Team Bath’s suppliers include O’Neills, 2XU, Pulseroll and HALO Hydration.

With thanks to the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd

The team-building exercise saw the Haines Watts-sponsored Blue & Gold squad head to Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales and hike up the iconic 1,955ft-high Sugar Loaf, one of the highest peaks in the Black Mountains range.

It was organised in conjunction with the M2M (Millimetres 2 Mountains) Foundation, set up by former Bath Rugby player Ed Jackson and wife Lois, who played and coached for Team Bath. Joining Team Bath on the climb were five people supported by the Foundation who are recuperating from serious spinal injuries and life-changing events.

The day ended with an informative and motivational talk from Dr Niall McCann, an explorer, biologist and award-winning presenter of natural history documentaries who spoke about his own experiences of responding to adversity.

Attention then turned to the British Fast5 All-Stars Championship as the Blue & Gold, who are also supported by Rengen, returned to the Team Bath Arena on Sunday for a practice match against the Knights Men’s Netball Club.

The Fast5 tournament is taking place at London’s Copper Box Arena from 1-6pm on Saturday (30^thOctober), with Team Bath facing London Pulse in their opening match. Tickets are on sale now at https://fast5allstars.com/

Team Bath Netball is supported by its Principal and Pathway Partner, chartered accountants Haines Watts; Rengen Developments, who are an overall Team Bath Partner; Centurion Chartered Financial Planners and Ecus Ltd, our environment partner. Team Bath’s suppliers include O’Neills, 2XU, Pulseroll and HALO Hydration.

With thanks to the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight

Manchester Thunder, the reigning Vitality Netball Superleague champions, return to the court for the start of the 2019-20 season tomorrow (Saturday 12 October) at the season’s opening competition, the British Fast-5 All Stars Championships.

And, while the champions have not traditionally done well in this, the shortened form of the game, Director of Netball Karen Greig is excited for the challenge ahead:

“As a squad, we’re really looking forward to the Fast-5 competition: we’ve had a solid three weeks of training, and while last night’s session was the first with all our players, including our overseas All Stars, things really came together well. I’m excited for what we’ll be putting out on court tomorrow.”

Fast-5 is a shortened version of traditional netball, featuring teams of five players (instead of seven), with 12 minute games, rolling substitutions, powerplays and increased scoring opportunities via a bigger shooting zone. Greig is feeling confident about the Thunder side’s prospects:

“Our preparations have been good, and our overseas All Stars – Aussie sharpshooter Erin Bell and Malawian pocket rocket midcourter Takonda Lawazi – have fitted into the line up seamlessly. They will certainly bring the X Factor to our performance tomorrow, and we can’t wait to get going.”

Tomorrow’s competition will provide fans with the first opportunity for Thunder fans to see another Malawian, Loreen Ngwira, in Manchester colours, after the international signed for the north west side from London Pulse in the summer.

Another familiar face will also suit up for the champions, with former training partner Taylor Cullen in the Thunder line up, before transferring to Strathclyde Sirens for the 2020 Superleague season.

“I’m really excited to see what this squad can do,” concludes Greig. “We’ve got a great balance of experience and flair, with international knowledge and emerging talent in abundance, all topped off with Erin Bell’s proven ability to sink the long bombs from all over the circle. It’s going to be fun!”

Vann will be on the bench as assistant to Superleague Head Coach Anna Stembridge for the first time since her return to the club she served so well as a player when the Copper Box Arena hosts the fast-paced, short-form version of the game on Saturday, October 12 (1-6pm).

The ten-strong Team Bath squad includes Blue & Gold legend Stacey Francis, who is returning as a Worldwide All-Star pick for the second successive year, and new signing Fionnuala Toner.

Betsy Creak, who made her senior debut for Wales this summer, and University of Bath student Tash Pavelin are also in the squad along with 2019 Superleague players Kim Commane, Hannah Passmore, Mia Ritchie, Abi Robson, Laura Rudland and Rachel Shaw. Lois Jackson is also among the coaching team, Tracey Phillips is team manager and Rhianon Stidever is physio.

It is the third edition of the Fast5 Championships, an exciting addition to the annual netball calendar, and Vann cannot wait to get going in her new role alongside Stembridge.

“I’m really looking forward to my first appearance as a coach for Team Bath and it’s going to be at Fast5, which is so exciting,” she said. “There are a lot of tactics involved which are different to the traditional game and it is brilliant to watch. Anna has great experience of the event, so I can’t wait to work alongside her and the team.”

It is the third year that Team Bath will contest Fast5, where matches are just 12 minutes long and a five-point line rewards those willing to brave a shot from distance. A Golden Buzzer also offers teams the chance to double their points during a two-minute Power Play.

Stembridge said: “It’s fast, it’s furious, it’s really good fun and tactically I think it challenges both the coaches and athletes. The power plays and the ten-pointers mean the momentum can change so quickly and it’s just brilliant, I love it.”

Commane, who will captain the Blue & Gold, added: “I’ve been furiously practicing my three and five-pointers! It’s a very different kind of game – normally as a shooter I’d want to get closer to the posts but this time I need to get as far away as possible. It’s just so fast and very competitive.”

Team Bath have been drawn against Welsh side Celtic Dragons in their opening match. The double elimination format means that each of the eight teams competing will play at least twice on the day.

Fast5 tickets are available now – visit www.fast5allstars.com for further details.

Team Bath Netball is partnering with local charity Sporting Family Change in 2020 to help make a difference through sport. Centurion Chartered Financial Partners are Team Bath’s people development partner.

Courtesy of the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight

Known to friends and supporters as Bonzo, she was influential in centre court for the Malawi Queens at the Netball World Cup this summer in Liverpool and has been part of her country’s squad for some time, including at last year’s Commonwealth Games.

The 27-year old Police Sergeant will link up with fellow Malawi stars Joyce Mvula and Lauren Ngwira, who have just signed for Thunder’s 2020 Superleague campaign, as one of the two All-Stars who join the Thunder squad exclusively for the Championship at the Copper Box on 12 October.

Eight teams from the Superleague will do battle in 12-minute matches with Thunder, the Vitality Netball Superleague Champions, already having named Australian Erin Bell as their first All-Star player.

Takondwa said: “I can’t wait to come to the UK with Joyce and Lauren and join up with the Thunder squad to prepare for Fast5. It’s going to be so exciting to team up with the Superleague Champions, play at the Copper Box in London and meet some of the amazing Thunder fans.”

Thunder’s Director of Netball Karen Greig said: “I’m super excited to have her on board for Fast5. Having watched her play in recent years during the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Fast5 World Series, I am sure she will be a great fit for us for the competition. She is fast and often appears from nowhere on court, while her connection with Joyce will be key to opening up defences.”

Courtesy of Manchester Thunder