WHEN it comes to sport, television is usually dominated by one of two things: male athletes or football.
So it was a refreshing sight for many in living rooms up and down the country to see that BBC Two was broadcasting England netball’s final game of the Quad series – contested by Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa.
England were up against the best team in the world, Commonwealth and world champions Australia, in what turned out to be a supremely entertaining and tense contest.
Well done @AussieDiamonds and nice words from @Sharni_Layton at the presentation. We'll be after you in the summer! #QuadSeries pic.twitter.com/qwnb6lHvIE
— England Netball (@England_Netball) February 5, 2017
England were eventually beaten 47-46, but had led Australia in the third quarter, and had ball in hand with 10 seconds remaining, only to be thwarted in the final moments of the game.
Well done to @englandnetball for representing our sport with such flair today. Shame about the result, but a victory for netball for sure! ??
— Thetford Netball (@NetballThetford) February 5, 2017
And despite the tough nature of the defeat, fans were happy enough to simply have been able to witness it.
Loving this rare opportunity to watch live netball on BBC2 ?????? #bbcnetball
— Rachel (@rachwilliamson) February 5, 2017
47???? – 46???? Honestly one of the best matches i've ever seen!! @England_Netball @Vitality_UK ??? pic.twitter.com/5yn3cGOAWb
— Millie K (@millie_kirby_) February 5, 2017
For those with a love of netball, the coverage was greatly appreciated.
@BBCSport thank you for actually mentioning Netball in today's news! @England_Netball
— Molly (@geehan_molly) February 5, 2017
How on earth is netball not part of the Olympics?
Almost getting teary seeing all the young girls cheering for the England netball team. Ridiculous that it isn't in the Olympics #bbcnetball
— Charis Harvey (@charisbethia) February 5, 2017
What a day today was, great battling @traceynev and her #Roses, Netball making its mark on the sporting weekend! Proud of our team ??
— Alex Sexton (@EN_AlexSexton) February 5, 2017
What an advert for netball. Top class women's sport on free-to-air TV. So important. England are hosting World Cup in 2019, exciting times!
— Jessica Creighton (@JessCreighton1) February 5, 2017
The great thing about televising sports such as netball is the positive influence it can have on children searching for role models.
@England_Netball awesome game today! 6yr old inspired & gone to bed talking about playing for England one day #Roses2017
— gemma (@g_arblaster) February 5, 2017
Here’s hoping the netball continues to gain coverage on free-to-air TV. Anyone think it’s about time Grandstand made a return?
