It was to become one of the defining moments of the Commonwealth Games, when six months ago to this day, England’s Roses secured their place in the history books.

Against the odds, England’s netball team were to become Commonwealth champion as they conquered the hosts Australia, the world number ones, in nail-biting fashion.

Levelling the score at 51-51 with just 20 seconds remaining, having trailed by four goals early in the final period, Helen Housby held her nerve to score in the final second and seal an unforgettable 52-51 victory.

“It seems such a long, long time ago,” said England Head Coach Tracey Neville.

“The build-up and the process we went through to actually get that result was absolutely outstanding. From my point of view, the small percentages and one goal differences was what got us the gold medal.” 

“For me, it probably created a lot more hard work going forward because obviously before we were the actual chasers and now we’re being chased and in a way that’s put a lot more hard work in our programme to manage expectations going forward.

“From the sport’s point of view, the coverage, the participation, the sponsorship, the commercial and the recognition has been absolutely phenomenal, it’s a result that we’ve wanted for the last 20 years when I was playing as well. 

“To wait this long was a dream come true to us all and it’s just kick fired us another step forward to the World Cup.”

In reaching the pinnacle of their sport, the jubilant scenes of celebration by England’s players and staff at the final whistle form a defining image for many who witnesses the Roses’ heroics that unforgettable Sunday morning.

But for Neville, it was a moment shared with the squad ahead of the match that sits most prominently in her memory.

“I think it was the changing room the day of the game. The changing room just felt so energised, bearing in mind that most of us had been up all night with very little sleep and we had an early game that morning. 

“I just remember walking into that changing room and there was just a confidence, a buzz, in a way a sense of relief.  The players probably grew by 5 years in 12 hours.

“That feeling  being radiated by the players to the staff felt so powerful going into the match. That’s one thing that really stood out for me, the way we were united and the way that although we were physically and mentally drained, we seemed to have a new lease of life.

“It just felt so powerful that every tie someone spoke in the changing room it really added to the passion and the resilience that we wanted to show in the game, I think that was one of the most powerful changing rooms I had ever been in.”

Now, six most on from becoming Commonwealth champions, it’s a new challenge that occupies the Rose’s minds. Lifting the World Cup on home soil in nine months-time.