ENGLAND has taken a 1-0 lead over Jamaica in the four match Horizon Series. After a nail biting finish to the first game 24 hours ago, England has claimed the first win of the series.

After a tight first half, the Roses shifted into gear to win the match by eight-goals thanks to brilliant defence.

It was goal-for-goal early until Fran Williams decided it was show time. Two quick gains in the first four minutes for Williams helpd her side get a little sniff of a lead which kept expanding with the help of player of the match Funmi Fadoju.

Their connection is growing each game and Williams has really come to light in goal keeper who was regularly seen in goal defence prior to this year’s domestic season.

England were ready to swing the ball around their shooting circle to avoid the long leavers of the Jamaican defenders, but the connection to Olivia Tchine, who has had a standout international season, just wasn’t as efficient this game compared to yesterday.

It was difficult for Jamaica to get the ball into its shooting circle, but patience was key as it continued to reduce the deficit. Their defence was as consistent as the previous outing to keep forcing England into short passes.

Jamaica was forced to make changes early in its attack end due to the formidable defensive unit of England.

The Roses led by four goals at the first break, but Jamaica responded to level the playing field by half time.

England started the second quarter off well by smothering the Jamaican attack into the middle third. It was eventually able to break into their attacking third, but England were scoring at a quicker rate.

Poor choices and feeds by the Roses attackers allowed the Sunshine girls plenty of opportunities to level out the game, which they did.

Abigail Sutherland‘s injection into the midcourt for Jamaica added another swiftness to their attack end. She was able to utilise her speed, cuts and drives to create space and edge her closer to the circle edge. The visitors quickly took the lead in a cut and past of yesterdays contest.

After a 24-all result at the main break, the second half was all England.

A scrappy start to the second half quickly settled with both nations scoring off their opponents centre pass.

In unfamiliar Roses fashion, England only made one injection and two shifts going into the second half which worked wonders. The feeds into Tchine weren’t working so the structure was changed to a moving circle.

The first five minutes of the third quarter was all England. They were carving up the Jamaican defence with the movement of the circle and forced Jamaica to go back to their original defensive lineup after the margin became six goals.

England’s changes in attack worked wonders as there were more options to the ball and they were unafraid to swing the ball to create the angles to get around the rangy defence.

Lois Pearson‘s work rate inside and outside England’s goal circle was outstanding as she was able to create plenty of enough space for not only herself along the baseline to shoot with high volume and accuracy, but for the other England attackers to keep the Jamaican defenders heads turning.

In the blink of an eye, Jamaica reduced the deficit to four goals at the last break.

The fourth quarter was the same as the third with England putting its foot down to take the last quarter and claim the first win of the Horizon Series by eight goals.

Player of the Match = Funmi Fadoju (England)

STARTING 7:

England

GS: Liv Tchine
GA: Helen Housby
WA: Lois Pearson
C: Imogen Allison
WD: Beth Cobden
GD: Funmi Fadoju
GK: Fran Williams

Jamaica

GS: Romelda Aiken-George
GA: Shanice Beckford
WA: Rhea Dixon
C: Crystal Plummer
WD: Latanya Wilson
GD: Jodi-Ann Ward
GK: Shamera Sterling-Humphrey