England defeated a depleted Jamaica 80-37 on Saturday in the first game of the two-match series at the Copper Box Arena.
The home team got off to a positive start and, led by captain Fran Williams, who was named player of the match, comfortably led the visitors by 23 points at halftime.
advertise
Eleanor Cardwell continues her recovery from a serious knee injury, while Natalie Metcalf is competing for the first time since giving birth seven months ago.
Cardwell told BBC Sport: “The girls made it so easy coming into camp and it makes it easy when you get out there. It feels really close.”
“I just love playing netball and I haven’t played a lot this year so it’s really nice.
“There’s been a lot of crying this year. I didn’t realize I had such a strong mind so it’s been tough, but I’ve learned a lot along the journey and I think it will make me a better netball player.”
advertise
Jamaica surpassed England and moved into third place in the world rankings by winning the inaugural 2024 Horizon Series 2-1.
The 2025 series was originally scheduled to consist of four games, two in Jamaica and two in England in early December, but the game in Kingston was canceled due to damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Members of the Jamaican team helped with relief efforts and handed out care packages, but were unable to train with the full team.
Netball England will donate £1 from every Horizon Series ticket sold to Netball Jamaica’s chosen charity, World Central Kitchen, and has announced that fans will be able to donate to the British Red Cross’ disaster fund.
advertise
But with less than a year to go until the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Horizon Series provides crucial playing time for both countries.
They will play their second match again on Sunday at 14:00 GMT, with content available to watch on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.