With Loughborough Lightning flying high in second place in the Co-operative Netball Superleague (CNSL), it is little wonder that two of its players have been selected to represent England at the forthcoming international series against Jamaica.
Lightning captain Jade Clarke and star shooter Jo Harten have been shortlisted for the England squad which will face Jamaica in a three match series at the end of this month. The series is being hailed as ‘The Rematch’ after the last time the two sides faced each other in 2007 at the IFNA World Championships in New Zealand. England was beaten in the bronze medal playoff and will be seeking to avenge their defeat this time on home soil.
Spectators in London, Coventry and Nottingham will be able to brace the cold winter nights with a series of heated performances by the England squad against their old nemesis the ‘Sunshine Girls’ on February 22, 24 and 26.
The pressure is on for an unforgettable tournament, as memories of the World Championships shadow the England Squad and every goal will prove vital. Aficionados will recall not only the 2007 World Championships but also the 2006 Commonwealth Games, where both times England and Jamaica split the bronze medal honours, and there was never more than one goal between them on the finishing scoreboard.
England will be pulling out all the stops to demonstrate desire, passion, energy and great skills throughout the series, hoping to prove they are the ones to watch in 2009.
With 56 caps, at just 25 years of age, Lightning Captain Jade Clarke has a wealth of experience on the international stage. She said, “We have been waiting for this game for quite some time. It is certainly a rematch and one which we are determined not to lose this time. We will strive for a 3-0 win in the upcoming test series.”
Clarke continued, “We are looking forward to the match. It is always exciting playing Jamaica as you never know what to expect, sometimes their attitude is really aggressive and other times it is laid back. Whichever is it, you can guarantee a close fought match, there is never many points between us at the end.
“The Superleague is going really well for Loughborough Lightning so far this season and this will stand myself and Jo Harten in good stead for the England games. International matches are always more physical than domestic, but I think we are ready. It is our time to step up the ranks. It is great that one of the games is coming to the East Midlands as well, and some of our supporters will be able to come and see what an international match is like.”
Tickets are now on sale for the series which will be played out at the 02 arena on February 22nd, Skydome Arena Coventry on the 24th, finishing at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham on the 26th.
For information on how to get tickets to any of the series matches please visit www.loughboroughlightning.co.uk or call the ticket venue direct at your chosen location.
