Silver Ferns score narrow win over England
- Dave Worsley
- 11 hours ago
- 1 min read
The Silver Ferns have won the opening gmae of the three-Test series against England with a 61-58 victory in London.
Down by three at half-time, England upped their intensity in the third quarter and levelled the scores at 47-47 heading into the final spell.
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However New Zealand outscored the home side 14-11 in the final stanza to take out the game.
When the Silver Ferns shot out to a 53-49 lead in the final quarter, the Roses made two changes, which saw Elle Cardwell make her return to international netball.
But New Zealand held their nerve and continued to find shooter Grace Nweke under the post who proved to be able to handle the pressure shooting 53 from 57 attempts.
Georgia Heffernan was five from five and Amelia Walmsley three from three.
For England Liv Tchine was successful with 31 from 33 and Helen Housby 20 from 22 attempts but they weren't quite able to get the ball through the middle of the court as direct as New Zealand.
In one of her best games for the Ferns Kate Heffernan was strong at wing defence, with six deflections and a mobile game while Maddy Gordon was boisterous in attack and defence.
Game two is on Monday morning.