THE England Roses will take on the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) All Stars two more times this weekend as players from both squads gear up for the upcoming Superleague season, following an extended off-season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the first match done and dusted and the Roses’ experienced connections reigning supreme, the captains of both sides were impressed by the respective showings.

In her first match since earning her 100th international cap against the New Zealand Silver Ferns in late 2020, Roses co-captain Serena Guthrie was proud of how her side adjusted to the All Stars outfit.

“It’s so exciting, we weren’t sure what we were going to get thrown at us. Really proud of the team on how we adjusted,” she said. “Probably not quick enough in attack in that first half but the changes made some impact and we were able to get some flow in the second half.”

“We’ve done some homework on all of the individuals in the All Stars team but tonight it was very much about seeing what they threw out at us.

“I think particularly at the start Razia (Quashie) and Layla (Guscoth) really started to pick up a few patterns and win a bit more ball, that was really positive for us.”

Opposition captain Liana Leota said much the same, suggesting that her side has plenty more to prove and showcase on the big stage, especially now that they have one game under them and an indication of how the new-look side – which only trained for the first time together on Monday – can impact on the Roses outfit.

“I think there is more to come from our team. There were moments of lapses, we just needed a reset,” Leota said.

“In attack, I think we were definitely in control and defensively we had huge pressure so we will be looking at where we can turn over that ball and keep applying the pressure.”

With one game on Friday evening and one on Sunday evening (6pm and 6:30pm local), fans will be in for more intriguing showings with both teams sure to lift their game – the Roses to uphold their strong start and go two from two – and even three from three – and the All Stars to prove they can put out a full four quarter effort and potentially steal a win from the Roses’ clutches. One thing is for sure, that the two matches are expected to be hugely competitive and great spectacles for netball in the UK.