Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls crashed to an 80-37 defeat to England Roses in the opening game of the Horizon Series at the London Copper Arena on Saturday morning (December 13).

The 43-goal margin was a clear indication of how badly depleted the Jamaican team is, but that was made easier by a rather disappointing display from the opening whistle.

England, fresh from a 1-2 series loss to New Zealand a few weeks ago, was clearly in match fitness condition and were sharper in every aspect, seized control early and never relented, leading all the way for a most decisive victory.

England led 22-9 after the first quarter, and at halftime, the lead was 23, with the hosts heading into the halftime break up 41-18.

The onslaught continued as they won the third quarter 19-10 and the fourth quarter 20-9 for an easy 80-37 victory. Taking a 1-0 advantage with the next game scheduled for Sunday.

With less than a year to go until the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Horizon Series provides crucial game time for both nations.

Jamaica are ranked third, just ahead of the fourth-ranked England Roses after winning the inaugural 2024 Horizon series 2-1, which enabled them to leapfrog England and go third in the world rankings.

The 2025 series saw the cancellation of the two games scheduled in Jamaica because of the destruction caused by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

England Netball will donate £1 from every Horizon Series ticket sold to Netball Jamaica’s chosen charity, World Central Kitchen, and has also announced fans will be able to contribute to the British Red Cross’ Disaster Fund.