England have won the Vitality Netball Nations Cup for the first time after beating South Africa in Sunday’s final.
It proved sixth time lucky for the Vitality Roses since the Nations Cup/Quad Series was established in 2012 after five previous final defeats.
After South Africa made a fast start in the match to lead 15-12 at the end of the first quarter, Jess Thirlby’s side fought back impressively and claimed a 61-55 triumph to send the crowd at Copper Box Arena into raptures.
Although South Africa rallied late in the third quarter despite having their centre sent off, leaving them down to six players for five minutes, England stretched clear in the final quarter when their opponents were back to full strength to win by six points.
England’s win avenges South Africa’s 61-59 group-stage triumph last weekend.
Earlier in the day Uganda won the third-place playoff match, beating Malawi 50-45.
More to follow…
Netball Nations Cup 2025 Results
February 1 – South Africa 75-40 Uganda
February 1 – England 62-36 Malawi
February 2 – Malawi 59-45 Uganda
February 2 – England 59-61 South Africa
Semi-finals
February 8 – Malawi 55-58 South Africa
February 8 – England 59-48 Uganda
Third-place playoff
February 9 – Malawi 45-50 Uganda
Final
February 9 – South Africa 55-61 England
