ENGLAND Roses completed a clean sweep of the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) All Stars over the weekend, with a third dominant performance seeing the side collect the Jean Hornsby Cup and bragging rights in the Netball Legends Series. Another excellent performance from the squad – with a number of changes to the starting seven – had both sides on their toes early, and only another third quarter domination kept the Roses ahead of the All Stars, extending a 12 goal lead and staying ahead of the eight ball throughout the rest of the resulting 55-43 contest. Upcoming defensive star Razia Quashie was named player of the match for the second time after another stellar outing for the Roses, showcasing her flair and ability to reel in crucial ball, but also settle the lineup from the last line of defence. Meanwhile, teammate and Roses co-captain Nat Haythornthwaite was awarded player of the series for her consistency and unstoppable bullet passes, and All Stars captain Liana Leota was voted the fans’ player of the series. Both sides fielded different starting sevens to their first two lineups, with the likes of Sophie Drakeford-Lewis and Beth Cobden earning a start for the Roses, and a new-look attack from the All Stars with long-bomb specialist Gezelle Allison out in goal attack. While a neck-and-neck start from the two sides mirrored the past two matches of the series, the All Stars would not go down without a fight as the squad fought back in the second to win their first – and only – quarter of the series. The ever-reliable All Stars’ target in Joyce Mvula was crucial out the front, while Allison showcased her cool temperament to sink goals from wherever required. But as injury struck Mvula, another new-look combination took to the circle with Rebekah Robinson taking the court and seeing the Jamaican flair hit the court in full force. Leota’s exceptional passes knew no bounds, despite the constant blocking from the likes of Cobden, while out the front for the Roses, Ellie Cardwell and Drakeford-Lewis proved they are more than capable of holding up the attack and constant barrage of the All Stars’ defensive unit. Defensively, Jo Trip and Sam May were relentless for the All Stars with Fionnuala Toner starting out the front in wing defence, while there is no doubt Quashie had the desired impact down back for the Roses alongside the ever-reliable Layla Guscoth and speedy Vicki Oyesola – who took the court for the first time. Livewires Serena Guthrie and Caroline O’Hanlon continued to battle hard, and with plenty of further rotations from both sides, fresh legs allowed constant battles and injections of energy across the court. Mvula was impressed with her side’s hustle and continuous ability to hold up under pressure, remarking that the series has been a huge help leading into the upcoming VNSL season. “I’ll keep on working hard on my physical and on my shooting as well because we still have a battle to fight,” Mvula said. “This is just the start so we can start like in this Superleague. So, I just have to go hard with my training and shooting as well to be prepared.” With so much talent on show throughout the three matches, there is no doubt the extra exposure of both the sport and players will do wonders heading into the VNSL season in the coming months. STARTING SEVEN

VNSL All Stars: GS: Joyce Mvula GA: Gezelle Allison WA: Liana Leota C: Nat Panagarry WD: Fionnuala Toner GD: Sam May GK: Jo Trip