Helen Housby was in the thick of the action as England’s netballers started their series against Jamaica with a victory.

The Cumbrian star played a key part in the Vitality Roses’ comeback to win 73-52.

It saw England off to a successful start in their series against the Commonwealth Games silver-medallists.

Strong shooting from Carlisle-born Housby, from Drumleaning near Wigton, and the recalled Jo Harten helped Jess Thirlby’s side come from behind before taking the lead in the third quarter.

They sealed victory in Manchester to gain a 1-0 series lead ahead of this weekend’s double-header at London’s Copper Box Arena.

The Jamaica series is a first challenge of a year which will see England and New South Wales Swifts star Housby, 27, compete in the World Cup during the summer.

Head coach Thirlby, speaking on the BBC, said: "It's definitely about the longer-term but everything we do, you have to have intent to do both.

“Part of learning how to be better at the World Cup is learning how to win these games. We've ticked off so many new things there.

"World Cup always has to be our destination but we want to win as well."