Silver Ferns pip England in exciting series-opener
Facing a step-up in opposition, the Silver Ferns delivered a composed final quarter to secure a tight 61-58 win over England in the first of the three-test Vitality Netball International Series in London on Saturday (UK time).
Continuing their close clashes of recent times, the world No 2 Silver Ferns bounced back with a well-executed outing after losing three of their last four against the fourth-ranked Roses, with plenty of intrigue surrounding how the pair would match up eight months out from next year’s Commonwealth Games.
In their eighth test of a hectic end of season international campaign, the Silver Ferns showed their growing stature and ability to stay the distance in a tight contest.
Shooter Grace Nweke, with 52 goals from 55 attempts, was an immense figure under the Silver Ferns hoop, the attack end showing continued improvement to deliver safe ball into her hands.
In a riveting contest throughout and with the scores level at three-quarter time, it was anybody’s game, the Silver Ferns impressing with their game smarts in closing out the tightest of tussles through effective hustle on defence, where Kate Heffernan and Kelly Jackson were key spoilers, and the necessary composure on attack proving key.
"It felt really good out there and the team felt really connected,’’ Silver Ferns captain Karin Burger said afterwards.
"There’s a few one percenters that we probably need to look at but now that we’ve had that first game against them, we have a bit more to go off in analysing what the next game needs to look like.’’
Going with their most experienced seven, the Silver Ferns opted for the midcourt pairing of Maddy Gordon (centre) and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan (wing attack), and Georgia Heffernan at goal attack.
The Roses welcomed several established players back into the fold, including prolific shooter Helen Housby for her 112th test, while also introducing 1.88m goalkeeper Jaz Brown for her test debut.
Mirroring their recent encounters, the first quarter provided a close contest with England having a slightest of edges. Athletic in-circle defenders Funmi Fadoju and Brown kept a tight grip on the danger of Nweke as the teams went toe-to-toe.
In a free-flowing spectacle, quick ball into key strike weapon Nweke started to pay off for the New Zealanders, who grabbed the opportunity late in the piece to snatch a narrow 15-14 lead at the first break.
With Gordon moving to wing attack and Kimiora Poi taking over at centre on the resumption, the Silver Ferns attack end moved up a gear. The speedy midcourt pairing delivered a flurry of precision ball into Nweke’s hands as the towering 1.93m shooter started to get the upper hand over her defenders.
The Heffernan twins were key contributors with Georgia playing at excellent hand in the play-making role at goal attack while Kate was a key distributor and disruptor from wing defence.
The Silver Ferns defence end, provided more concerted pressure on England’s first phase play which opened the door to turnover opportunities while helping the visitors hit the main break with a 33-30 lead after a high-scoring second stanza.
Making midcourt changes, which included Jess Shaw moving from centre to wing attack, and Amy Carter (centre) and Beth Cobden (wing defence) coming off the bench paid dividends for England, who made a storming start to the third quarter.
Big defensive pressure also helped England make a big push forward to regain the lead and build a three-goal buffer. Showing their growing composure, there was no panic from the Silver Ferns who steadied and responded.
With Amelia Walmlsey taking over at goal attack in the third stanza, the Silver Ferns lifted across the court, Walmsley combining neatly with Nweke to slot the last goal of the quarter to leave the game delicately poised at 47-all and the prospect of an exciting run to the line.
Facing a short recovery time and less than 24 hours to iron out any issues, the teams have a quick turnaround before lining up in the second test at 4am Monday (NZ time).