IT might not have the billing of England and Jamaica’s Roses Reunited Series, but Scotland and Barbados will lock horns in what should be a fascinating couple of international contests. The two matches will be held in the colder climate of Glasgow which will present an additional challenge for Barbados, across December 2-3.

The last time these two sides locked horns was back at the 2019 Netball World Cup, where Scotland secured the 11-goal win to grab 11th spot overall in that tournament. The Thistles led by seven goals at half-time, and eventually got up by 11 in what was a strong overall performance. Lynsey Gallagher scored 27 goals from 28 attempts to earn Player of the Match honours, but she is not playing this series.

Towering young talent Emma Barrie is there however, and she put up 24 goals from 30 attempts in that match. She was well fed by Claire Maxwell who will provide the same drive in transition, captaining the Thistles for this series. Up the defensive end, Emily Nicholl is one to watch, having also had a really strong game with a couple of intercepts and four deflections against Barbados at the Netball World Cup.

The Barbados defensive duo of vice-captain Shonette Azore-Bruce and captain Latonia Blackman – who can play in either goal circle – will keep the Scottish shooters honest. Shonica Wharton – another dual position player at either end – caused headaches for the Thistles at the Netball World Cup, slotting 31 goals from 34 attempts. Unfortunately for the Bajan Gems, Samantha Browne is unavailable, and would have been a great link-up player feeding into the circle.

Barbados is also looking to blood a couple of fresh faces in Stephian Shepherd and Akeena Stoute. Shepherd is a versatile player, predominantly in the defensive half, whilst Stoute is purely in the back three positions. The expected debutants will get their chance against an exciting attacking end hoping to rise up the international rankings.

Whilst there is still quite unknown from both sides, and with starting seven members left, it is hard to go past Scotland at home. The Thistles will be able to acclimatise to the conditions easier, and have plenty of young talent coming through the ranks, with greater depth also working in their favour. Barbados will put up a fight for most of the game, but expect Scotland to be too strong across the full four quarters.

SQUADS

SCOTLAND:

Emma Barrie
Iona Christian
Rachel Conway
Bethan Goodwin
Hannah Leighton
Sarah Macphail
Claire Maxwell (c)
Niamh McCall
Nicola McCleery
Emily Nicholl (vc)
Caitlin Pringle
Kalea Stagg

BARBADOS:

Faye Agard
Shonette Azore-Bruce (vc)
Latonia Blackman (c)
Vanessa Bobb
Brianna Holder
Stephien Shepherd
Sabreena Smith
Akeena Stoute
Sheniqua Thomas
Shonica Wharton

MATCHES

Test 1: Thursday, December 2, 7:30pm local time (Friday morning 6:30am AEDST)
Test 2: Friday, December 3, 7:30pm local time (Saturday morning 6:30am AEDST)