New Zealand bounced back from their surprise first Test defeat against England in the Taini Jamison Trophy series with a comfortable win over the Vitality Roses; Watch the decisive Test between New Zealand and England this Saturday on Sky Sports Mix and YouTube from 7.10am
Last updated: 27/09/23 9:31 am
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Former Red Roses player Chelsea Pitman has announced her retirement from international netball, saying she wants to prioritize pregnancy issues after hoping to create a ‘safe space’ for other women with similar issues.
Former Red Roses player Chelsea Pitman has announced her retirement from international netball, saying she wants to prioritize pregnancy issues after hoping to create a ‘safe space’ for other women with similar issues.
New Zealand won a dominant 57-36 against England in Porirua to level the Taini Jamison Trophy and send the series to a decider.
The Silver Ferns led the match from start to finish and were clearly motivated by their narrow 55-54 defeat on Sunday in the opening Test of the series.
England, who have not sent any of their World Cup players to New Zealand, will win the decisive match next Saturday as underdogs – live on Sky Sportsmix from 7.10 am.
“A huge relief. I’m really proud of everyone tonight. It’s about time we showed our hearts a little and showed what’s really in our bellies,” said New Zealand captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio.
“There were still some mistakes in our game, so we are not perfect yet. We will look at that and try to be better again on Saturday. We know they will come back.”
England skipper Sophie Drakeford-Lewis added: “We knew the Ferns would come out hard at the start of the first Test and we didn’t really respond to that. That’s something we have to look at for the third Test.
“We didn’t come out strong enough. We need to hold on to our structures more, because we fall away from them more often. There was some really good stuff in there, but it wasn’t consistent for us against the quality side. There is a lot to learn from that Test match and we are looking forward to Saturday.”
New Zealand defeated England in the second test of the Taini Jamison Trophy
How New Zealand defeated England
New Zealand started the match brilliantly, taking a 10-3 lead with Ekenasio playing up front as England spiraled out of control in every area of the field.
The Silver Ferns took a 17-7 lead when Sasha Glasgow’s penalty brought England back within 10 at the end of the first quarter.
England coach Liana Leota made a significant change by replacing the goal attack and captain Drakeford-Lewis with Berri Neil, but this did not stop New Zealand extending their lead to 12.
However, the substitutes, including Neil and Ellie Rattu, began to make a big impact, with the former scoring 13 goals in the second quarter, sparking a Vitality Roses comeback as they trailed New Zealand 27-23 at half-time stood.
New Zealand used the break to settle down and rediscover their faster game to create more turnovers as they extended their lead to 33-25, thanks in part to goal shooter debutant Amelia Walmsley.
Phoenix Karaka was particularly strong in the second half with three intercepts, four rebounds and nine gains throughout the match, with the momentum now firmly with the home side, who took a 39-30 lead into the final quarter.
England were unable to match the intensity of their opponents, who grew stronger as they dwindled. It was one-way traffic, as New Zealand won by 21 goals.
Watch the decisive Test between England and New Zealand this Saturday at 7.10am, live on Sky Sports Mix and YouTube. You can watch the second match again here.