Led by Jhaniele Fowler’s game-high 57 goals, Jamaica defeated England 63-53 in the final match of the Vitality Roses Series at the Motor Point Arena in Nottingham on Sunday (December 5).

In what was Jamaica’s best display of the three-match series, Fowler missed only three shots on goal with Shanice Beckford scoring five of her eight attempts, for the consolation victory.

Georgina Fisher was the leading scorer for England with 21 goals from 24 attempts. She got support from Helen Housby, who scored 15 of her 17 shots and Eleanor Cardwell, who sank 14 baskets from 16 attempts.

Jamaica led 14-11 at the end of the first quarter and extended the lead to 32-24 at half-time. England managed to hold the lead at eight when they tied Jamaica 16-16 in the third quarter before the Sunshine Girls outscored the hosts 15-13 in the final stanza to secure the confidence-boosting victory.

Aside from Fowler’s outstanding shooting, Jamaica owed their victory to stand-out work from defensive player Shamera Sterling, who was named MVP and Kadie-Ann Dehaney, who together made life difficult for the England attack.

Jamaica was also better on the offense, as for the first time in the series, they managed to play through the court and successfully complete entry passes into Fowler and Beckford, something that they struggled to do in the first two matches which were lost 45-55 and 47-66.

Jamaica suffered an injury scare early in the match when Adean Thomas appeared to have hurt her ankle. She would later return to help her team to victory.