Housby pays tribute to ‘phenomenal’ Guthrie
Helen Housby highlighted the leadership skills of Serena Guthrie after England moved to the verge of the Vitality Netball World Cup semi-finals with victory over Jamaica today.
Guthrie – named Player of the Match – was sensational throughout, driving England on as a strong third quarter paved the way for a 56-48 victory.
Housby said:
“Serena is just phenomenal. As an athlete and as a leader, she’s just incredible. She stands up for us in big moments and she leads by example.”
The captain’s display was one of many stand-out performances from an England team that passed its first real challenge of a home World Cup with flying colours.
Of the performance, Housby continued:
“That was very competitive netball – we were going goal for goal, which we maybe haven’t had in this tournament before now, but we knew we were up for it and we knew we were in a good place, and I think we’ve proven that with that performance.
“They say that the third quarter is the championship quarter – that’s where the top teams stand up, and I think we did that. We stuck to process and we showed our fitness out there and kept working hard.”
Today’s opening Group E, F and G fixtures mark the last day on which the action at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena will be spread over two courts, with England’s next game – against Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday – played in front of the entire arena as the tournament moves to a one-court format.
Given the atmosphere created by the home fans so far, Housby is certain that they can continue to spur the hosts and Commonwealth champions on.
She added:
“The crowd in here is incredible, and that’s when we’re still split over two courts. I don’t want to know what it will be like when it’s just one court! But the home support has been phenomenal and has felt like an eighth player – they give us so much energy.”