ANOTHER huge week in netball has passed by, with this week’s edition focusing on international tests and announcements with little happening around Australia and New Zealand.

Two international netball series’ began last weekend, with the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series and the South Africa Spar Proteas tour of the United Kingdom both showcasing plenty of exciting action. In Jamaica, the Sunshine Series between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago proved a huge success, as the Sunshine Girls came away with a 3-0 series sweep of the Calypso Girls. While Jamaica comprehensively stole the show in the first clash 71-22, Trinidad and Tobago were better prepared in the second game, reducing the margin slightly for a 64-32 result, before the Jamaicans came back even better in the third, 73-22. Jamaica captain Jhaniele Fowler was named Player of the Series for her heavy contribution across the three matches, while Shamera Sterling was an imposing figure in the third match in particular, earning the Player of the Match award after an impressive effort.

Despite the heavy losses, Trinidad and Tobago head coach Althea McCollin said she is proud of what her squad put out across the three matches, and that they now have a chance to improve on their weaknesses ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“I am not feeling depressed in relation to where the team is at all because we are growing as a young team, and we have learnt a lot, and we are going back home to work on our strengths and weaknesses,” McCollin explained.

“We came here to learn, and we have a lot of young players that got the opportunity to go on the court for the first time internationally, and the experience can only do good for them.”

Jamaica head coach Connie Francis was similarly happy with how her team shaped up for the event, but explained that the Sunshine Girls will also go away with some improvements to focus on despite the hefty margins.

“It was fantastic,” she said. “We tried multiple combinations, and the girls just raised the bar, and I am so proud of their efforts, especially the defending players. They looked fantastic.

“But there are still some areas that we have to improve in terms of our fitness because some players do not look as fit and sharp as I would like.”

Jamaica will play one last match on Friday, taking on the Jamaica Men’s squad to complete their series, as the Trinidad and Tobago Calypso Girls head home.

In the UK, the South Africa Spar Proteas have played two of their four tests, with two outstanding results against the Republic of Ireland setting the tone. They are set to play Scotland on Friday evening and Wales on Sunday, with a practice match against Northern Ireland scheduled for Saturday, with the match not classified test status as the Warriors hope to remain within qualification for the Commonwealth Games.

Meanwhile, the countdown has begun for the upcoming British Fast5 Netball All-Stars Championship, with just over a week until the event begins on Saturday, October 30. The fixtures were drawn live on SkySports during the week with Loughborough Lightning – who hold the mantle as the reigning Vitality Netball Superleague champions – opening proceedings against the vastly improved Strathclyde Sirens. To make matters even more interesting for the Lightning, they will also begin their Fast5 Championship defence, retaining the title with the 2019 event after the 2020 edition was called off. Meanwhile, London Pulse and Leeds Rhinos will both make debut appearances at the event, with Pulse talent Ellie Rattu explaining she is very excited to participate after watching from the sidelines.

“I am really looking forward to it. We’ve got a fresh and young team. We’re excited to have the opportunity to show Fast5 what we have got. I watched it before, it’s quick and exciting,” Rattu said. “It’s massive playing on our home, we’re used to the place. We feel like we will have the support. We’re excited to go out together with as a new squad. I think we have a lot of speed and fearlessness in our team.”

Check out the full 2021 British Fast5 Netball All-Stars Championship fixture HERE.

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Suncorp Super Netball

2022 Team lists: Adelaide Thunderbirds | Collingwood Magpies | GIANTS Netball | Melbourne Vixens | NSW Swifts | Queensland Firebirds | Sunshine Coast Lightning | West Coast Fever

Player profiles: Maggie Lind | Kelly Singleton | Amy Sligar | Annie Miller | Mia Stower | Ruby Bakewell-Doran | Matisse Letherbarrow | Hannah Mundy | Rahni Samason

International

International netball update: Sunshine Series / South Africa vs. Ireland

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Picture credit: Marlon Reid