England’s emotional farewell to Ebony Osoro Brown and Stacey Francis Byman

England bid an emotional farewell to Ebony Osoro Brown and Stacey Francis Byman after the experienced duo exited the netball with a disappointing 55-48 loss to New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games bronze medal match.

Osoro Brown, 34, was given a warm reception as he took to the court in the final seconds of a frustrating encounter, as Silver Ferns, who beat England in the final group game last week, gradually increased their one-point advantage. Established at the end of the first quarter.

Then Osoro Brown, who finished with his country in 117 caps on his debut against Malawi in 2008, was proud of the role he played in transforming the concept of sport in this country into one that now attracts fans and columnists. inch.

“We started this journey around 2005 when we were two young girls who dreamed of playing for England, and that has always been our hope and our dream,” said Osoro Brown, holding a bouquet presented by his teammates after the final whistle.

“Being part of the era that changed netball in the UK, especially as part of the golden age in 2018, but even those who came before us laid the foundation, being here today with stadiums packed and people singing and chanting, ‘You’ve been on an amazing journey and it’s been a privilege.

“We have been able to raise the flag and be role models and ambassadors and tell the young women in the crowd who want to be Rosas that you can do it, you can believe it, and we have the systems in place to develop the sport further.”

England coach Jess Thirlby praised the retired duo and hinted it was time to make big changes after a tournament in which his aging team were unable to reach the levels that swept them from Australia and their historic golden victory.Coast in 2018.

“It’s very sad and we will be in a lot of pain for some time,” Thurlby said. “I cannot fault the effort and intent of the team. Their relentless ability to keep going every way for each other is admirable.

“I think we’ve had a great balance in this tournament and I haven’t been ashamed to reveal new players in the last couple of years. It’s the end of an era for some, but I always think it’s important to have a succession plan in place and to learn to live with each other.”

Thirlby paid tribute to Osoro Brown and Frances Byman, and in particular the way their sport worked to help Osoro Brown make his comeback following the birth of their one-year-old daughter Savannah, who is fully integrated into the team’s training. . Games camp.

“Ebony and Stacey are excellent role models on and off the field and I am extremely proud of the way they have done their business on and off the field over the past 20 years,” added Thurlby.

“Ebonyi is a leader in women’s sports, but she is also a mother in sports and netball. We are so proud to have embraced Ebony and her family in the support we gave her to find her way not only to the court, but to the Commonwealth Games.

“It’s a shame we can’t send them home with medals around their necks, but this tournament doesn’t define their careers.”