Netball Dec 07, 2025

Vitality Roses: England fall to 55-49 loss against New Zealand as Silver Ferns win Vitality International series decider

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Vitality Roses: England fall to 55-49 loss against New Zealand as Silver Ferns win Vitality International series decider

England fell to a 55-49 defeat in the deciding game of their three-Test Vitality International series against New Zealand in Manchester.

The Roses beat New Zealand in a thrilling encounter on Sunday to level the series after the Silver Ferns had won the opening match on Saturday.

However, England made persistent errors in front of a home crowd at the AO Arena on Wednesday and struggled to keep their opposition at bay.

England managed to grab a 14-11 lead in the first quarter but mistakes began creeping into their game in the second, allowing New Zealand to take charge.

Leading into half-time, the Silver Ferns took a two-goal lead as their persistence and hard work paid off.

However, England managed to wrestle back the momentum in their favour with Funmi Fadoju and Helen Housby turning the dial, but it wasn't enough as New Zealand snatched a 42-38 lead heading into the final period.

Head coach Jess Thirlby made changes in England's attack but it was to no avail as New Zealand continued to outclass them.

England come up against Jamaica in December, with two games being played in Kingston and the other two in London.

New Zealand's Kelly Jackson, the player of the match, said: "It was an awesome game. We were really disappointed with that loss the other day, and it's been a big three months for us and we really wanted to finish on a high.

"We've got a big break now. We deserve it. We don't come together [again] until January."

Thirlby said: "I just found there was so much more for us to give and wanted them to take the shackles off. It's really disappointing because we gave them the ball today.

"It feels really flat and against a team of this calibre, finding the ball is difficult and our pressure on the court has been good overall but New Zealand pegged us back today. We couldn't adjust to that.

"If you don't get the scoreboard pressure on them, it's an uphill battle from there. It's told us a lot about ourselves."

Saturday November 15: Copper Box Arena, London

Sunday November 16: Copper Box Arena, London

Wednesday November 19: - AO Arena, Manchester
England 55-49 New Zealand

Saturday December 6: National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston, Jamaica
Jamaica vs England, TBC

Sunday December 7: National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston, Jamaica
Jamaica vs England, TBC

Saturday December 13: Copper Box Arena, London
England vs Jamaica, 2.15pm

Sunday December 14: Copper Box Arena, London
England vs Jamaica, 2pm

Times subject to slight change due to broadcast requirements

Tags:

netball news id:13472943

Share this article

Related Posts

Netball Super League: England's Jess Shaw targeting NSL final after return to Loughborough Lightning for 2026 season

Netball Super League: England's Jess Shaw targeting NSL final after return to Loughborough Lightning for 2026 season

Loughborough Lightning star Jess Shaw is targeting a strong season for club and country as she seeks to ensure her England spot at this summer's Commo...

England have selection problem and need more Helen Housby and Liv Tchine support, says Tamsin Greenway

England have selection problem and need more Helen Housby and Liv Tchine support, says Tamsin Greenway

England are lacking obvious support for Helen Housby and Liv Tchine ahead of the Commonwealth Games, say Tamsin Greenway and Tracey Neville. Speaking...

Nat Panagarry: ‘Unacceptable’ to not talk about periods in sport as it's our ‘duty’ to change perceptions

Nat Panagarry: ‘Unacceptable’ to not talk about periods in sport as it's our ‘duty’ to change perceptions

Periods remain the biggest barrier for secondary school age girls in accessing physical activity while at school, data from  shows. But for Loughborou...

How will home nations fair in netball at the Commonwealth Games?

How will home nations fair in netball at the Commonwealth Games?

Ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Australia, SportNews caught up with each of the home nations to see how preparations are going in the quest for a medal on th...

Tracey Neville believes England Roses can win gold at Commonwealth Games

Tracey Neville believes England Roses can win gold at Commonwealth Games

Tracey Neville says her England Roses side are in a "really good place" as they aim to win Commonwealth Games gold for the first time on the Gold Coast.The Rose...

England beat Scotland in Commonwealth Games netball opener

England beat Scotland in Commonwealth Games netball opener

England thrashed Scotland 74-28 in their opening group netball match at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Thursday morning.But Serena Guthrie was forced off injure...