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First series victory over NZ smells so sweet for Roses

Brendon Egan

England have stormed home from 10 goals down at halftime to snatch the Taini Jamison Trophy from the Silver Ferns.

Missing key three players, the Ferns were on track for a gutsy win at halftime, leading 26-16, but were blown off the court in the second half at Christchurch Arena last night losing 49-45.

The Ferns faced a steep challenge with starting wing attack Gina Crampton, young shooter Tiana Metuarau (both adductor strains) and defender Sulu Fitzpatrick (hyperextended knee) ruled out for game three.

They were also missing key performers Ameliaranne Ekenasio (maternity leave) and Jane Watson (ankle cleanout), who were part of their triumphant Constellation Cup series squad against Australia in March.

It was a difficult buildup for the Ferns, who had just three full days together as a squad to prepare in Christchurch, including latearriving Auckland players, who were granted government travel exemptions.

Take nothing away from England, who were also down on firepower with shooters Jo Harten, Helen Housby, defender Stacey Francis-Bayman, and midcourter Natalie Haythornthwaite only available for the Australian leg of their tour.

With Crampton out for the second straight game, Sam Winders became the third different player to captain the Ferns in this series, vice captain Fitzpatrick having deputised for Crampton in the second test. A 10-2 start to the second quarter allowed the Ferns to surge ahead on the scoreboard and build a 21-14 advantage.

England were sloppy bringing the ball through court, struggling against swarming New Zealand defence, which forced them into errors.

Shannon Saunders and Claire Kersten were able to safely get the ball into Maia Wilson and Te Paea Selby-Rickit, who combine well in the shooting end.

A dominant second quarter, where the Ferns restricted England to just four goals and scored 14 themselves allowed New Zealand to take a 26-16 lead into halftime. New Zealand had 11 extra attempts at goal in the first half with England committing 18 turnovers, 10 of which came in the second quarter.

Earlier England picked up right where they left off in the second test, outscoring New Zealand 34-21 in the second half of that game.

The Roses set the tone early, getting off to a quick 5-2 start with smooth attacking connections, finished off by shooters George Fisher and Sophie DrakefordLewis.

New Zealand started to get into the game and took advantage of some defensive gains to score at the other end of the court.

After a slow start, the Ferns finished the first quarter sharply with Wilson shooting a flawless nine from nine, benefiting from industrious play in the midcourt.

Down by 10 goals at halftime, England made a perfect start, forcing two early held balls with their defensive hustle.

They scored four unanswered goals to begin the second half, trimming New Zealand’s buffer to six, giving themselves hope.

England were a different side with a 9-2 burst forcing coach Dame Noeline Taurua to go to the bench for the first time.

Tactix centre Kimiora Poi, who missed out on the 2021-22 Ferns’ national squad, replaced Kersten in the centre.

Eleanor Cardwell added spark for the Roses at goal shoot, having come on late in the second quarter.

Cardwell slotted all 13 of her third quarter attempts giving the New Zealand defenders something different to think about from Fisher. Cardwell was superb in the second half, finishing with 25/26.

Down 36-32 approaching the final 15 minutes, England were back in the contest and sniffing victory.

England made an outstanding 7-1 start and with a rare away series victory in New Zealand in their grasp they didn’t let it slip.

Sport

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2021-09-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/282772064718404

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