Work in progress as Sunshine Girls make England Roses wilt and clinch Horizon Series

Jamaica's Sunshine Girls etched their names in the history books by becoming the first holders of the Rhone/Hornbsy Trophy.

They did so following a thrilling 61-53 win over England Roses in the deciding game of the Horizon Netball Series at the National Indoor Sports Center on Tuesday night.

The victory saw the Sasher-Gaye Henry coached Girls securing a 2-1 series win as they reserved their finest performance for the final showdown.

The teams battled to a 49 all tie in the first game at the AO Arena in Manchester before the Roses won game two 55-47 at the same venue. The Sunshine Girls then won game three 50-49 before victory in the final game.

Henry while reflecting on the game and series, says it continues to be work in progress.

Earlier, England finished the first period 14-11 ahead as they seized the early initiative with fast-paced play and clinical shooting.

However, the Sunshine Girls turn things around in the second quarter and opened up a two-goal lead at 28-26 at the half time interval.

With both teams exchanging blows in end-to-end action, the Sunshine Girls held a 42-39 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Led by excellent defensive work from Captain Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, the Jamaicans then maintained their composure in the final quarter, and secured a comfortable 61-53 win in front of a massive home crowd.

Veteran goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George led the way with 40 goals from 43 attempts, while goal-attack Shanice Beckford scored 21 from 25 attempts.

Olivia Tchine scored 42 goals from 47 attempts for England, with Lois Pearson assisting with 11 from 13 attempts.

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