ENGLAND won the first of its two tests with world number six Uganda, in the Roses’ first international action since missing out on a medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Putting the disappointment of a fourth placed finish at Birmingham behind them, England started strongly to lead by five goals at quarter time last night, but then found themselves trailing at the main break. A dominant third term quickly got England back on top, allowing the home team to run out 60-51 victors at the Copper Box Arena.

ENGLAND 16 | 9 | 17 | 18 (60)
UGANDA 11 | 17 | 9 | 14 (51)

Uganda entered the clash with England off the back of a busy schedule, having already beaten Northern Ireland and Wales in lead-up matches to the She Cranes’ biggest challenge yet. The Roses were without some of their key players for the match, with the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) or Australian-based England players remaining Down Under for the series with the Commonwealth Games gold medallists later this month.

Even without the likes of Helen Housby, Jo Harten and Geva Mentor, the Roses were able to gain the ascendancy with a 16-11 opening term to take a five-gaol lead into quarter time. The second choice shooting combination of Eleanor Cardwell and Sophie Drakeford-Lewis gave coach Jess Thirlby something to think about for next year’s Netball World Cup. The midcourt or Imogen Allison and Hannah Joseph was productive early, as Fran Williams was able to reduce the impact of Mary Cholhok.

After providing plenty of full court pressure in the first term, the Roses wilted in the second quarter, and the She Cranes took full advantage. Though the midcourt was not as famed as the Roses, the likes of Margret Baagala and Irene Eyaru started to get on top and find the open feeds into Cholhok who had the height on Williams. The worries from the World Cup – with some turnovers and mistakes down the court – resurfaced for the Roses, and Uganda hit the front off the back of a 17-9 term to lead by three at half-time.

Thirlby rolled out the changes at the main break, determined to test out some new combinations, with a couple of debutants and an experienced veteran all earning court time. Chelsea Pitman joined Laura Malcolm and Allison in the attack, replacing Joseph, as Cardwell moved to goal attack in order to allow the debut of Olivia Tchine. The London Pulse shooter had a familiar face up the other end also earning her first cap, with Pulse teammate and goal keeper Funmi Fadoju going up against the 201cm Cholhok.

Luckily for Fadoju, Cholhok has plied her trade for Loughborough Lightning in the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) so is well aware of her strengths, but regardless the Roses took complete control. The experience of Cardwell and Williams up respective ends settled the nerves of Tchine and Fadoju respectively, as the defensive all-court pressure returned for the quarter and England produced the identical quarter to the She Cranes that Uganda had done to the Roses a term early. By the final break, the Roses were back on top by five goals.

Zara Everitt received her chance for a debut later in the third term at wing defence, as the Roses ensured everyone got a chance. Alice Harvey – who started in goal keeper – and Ellie Rattu were also handed debuts, making it five debutants all up for the home side. Despite Uganda’s best efforts, only being able to bring nine players reduced the chance for versatility amongst the athletes, with Peace Proscovia and Sandra Nambirige battling hard in the defensive third for the visitors.

Cardwell earned the Player of the Match honours, shooting at 100 per cent, rotating between goal shooter in the first half, and goal attack in the second half. The new Adelaide Thunderbirds recruit showed she can combine with different shooters, pairing alongside the athletic utility in Drakeford-Lewis, as well as the towering, high-volume shooter in Tchine. Overall, it was a successful campaign for the Roses, with Thirlby pleased the team could get the win ahead of game two on Saturday.

“We knew it would be bumpy, they’re a world-class side and we obviously had a few different combinations out there that have only had a short time back in camp,” the Roses head coach said.

“I’m really proud of the efforts of the more familiar faces in helping to provide the support for others to come on and flourish in what is a winning debut for a number of players which is great.”