THERE are not many netball teams in Hertfordshire that can boast the talents of a former England international. And there won t be many who have the skill and handiwork of a former Commonwealth Games and World Championship bronze medallist to call upon.

THERE are not many netball teams in Hertfordshire that can boast the talents of a former England international.

And there won't be many who have the skill and handiwork of a former Commonwealth Games and World Championship bronze medallist to call upon.

However, Royston can, because for the past two seasons former England captain Jo Moxham has been leading by example and helping Royston to their most ­successful spell in more than 40 years.

Goal-defence Jo, who played for Enfield at the time, won 43 caps for England during a 12-year period, after making her debut at 17.

The highlight was helping Great Britain to the bronze medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, a tournament she described as "unbelievable".

She said: "That was a big competition for netball, because it was the first time it had been seen at a Commonwealth Games, so to be part of that was an amazing experience.

"We went there determined to do well, and we came away with the bronze medal - which was unbelievable.

"It was great for British netball and winning the bronze medal was a feeling I will never forget."

A year later, Jo was experiencing more honours when she led England to another bronze medal, this time at the 1999 World Championships.

She said: "As captain that was a great honour.

"Captaining my country was a proud moment, and we had a very good championship.

"We were quite unlucky but I loved every minute.

"One of the best things about my career was that it took me to such lovely places.

"I was involved in a lot of tours and I got to visit Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa - all places I probably wouldn't have got to see if not for the netball."

Jo stopped playing for her country in 2000, with her efforts now concentrated on playing for Royston.

The 36-year-old is also committed to passing on her vast knowledge of the game as a club and junior coach, and coach of the Cambridge University first team.

She said: "At the moment I'm very busy with the coaching, and it's something that I have always loved doing.

"I enjoy my role with Cambridge, and the girls have a big Varsity game coming up against Oxford which should be an interesting match.

"I also work with a lot of the schools and I like passing on my knowledge of the game and ­helping youngsters develop their talent.

"There are a lot of very good young players in the area, and I've seen a lot of potential that would suggest that there may be a few international players in the ­making."

Jo helped Royston to a runners-up spot in the Cambridgeshire County League last season, and as a result they were promoted to the East of England League for the first time.

Jo, who also teaches PE at Icknield Walk School, said: "Winning promotion was brilliant and we're now playing at a much higher level. It's been a challenge but we've been doing fairly well.

"We're just looking to stay in the division and improve each season."

But does Jo miss travelling the globe and lining up for her country?

"To be honest, I'm quite happy just playing for Royston," she said.

"I loved playing for England and being part of the tournaments, but it was a lot of commitment. These days I'm happy just to watch England from the sidelines and enjoy playing for Royston.

"I've had a brilliant career and learned a lot from netball - hopefully I can now pass that on.