Netball: England win Tracey Neville's first game in charge
- Published
England beat Trinidad and Tobago 65-42 in Bath in Tracey Neville's first match as interim coach on Wednesday.
The hosts, ranked third in the world, led 36-24 at half-time as attacking players Helen Housby and Pamela Cookey - earning her 99th cap - combined well.
Neville gave a debut to Natalie Haythornwaite and Sonia Mkoloma played her first international since 2011.
England take a 1-0 lead in the three-game series going into Friday's second match at London's Copper Box arena.
The home side started quickly and were 19-11 ahead at the end of the first quarter, as Haythornthwaite repeatedly fed captain Cookey and goal shooter Housby.
Some fluidity was lost after three half-time substitutions but England improved again in the closing stages as player of the match Cookey dictated the play against opponents ranked ninth in the world.
Neville - the 38-year-old sister of former England footballers Gary and Phil - officially began her role on 28 April after leaving Superleague side Manchester Thunder.
Pamela Cookey, 99 caps | |
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Domestic honours | Five Superleague titles: 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 ,2013 (Team Bath), 2015 (Surrey Storm) |
International honours | Commonwealth Games bronze medals: 2006, 2010 |
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