Silver Ferns edge Roses in a tense London opener
The Silver Ferns held their nerve to scrape a 61-58 victory over the England Roses in a tightly fought London opener, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The win was built on calm execution under pressure and a standout defensive shift from Midcourter Kate Heffernan, who produced a masterclass with six deflections and two interceptions to disrupt England’s rhythm.
Defence leads the way as Heffernan shines
Heffernan’s influence was visible from the opening whistle, often forcing feed errors and creating crucial transition ball for her teammates. The New Zealand team relied on disciplined pressure across the midcourt to limit the Roses’ options and force premature passes. Her six deflections and two steals underscored a performance that typified the Ferns’ approach: compact defence, quick resets, and relentless pursuit for every loose ball.
Strategic patience in attack pays off
Equally important was the Ferns’ offence, which balanced tempo with poise in a game that rarely allowed for easy scoring runs. The team moved the ball with purpose, exploiting space on the short pass and re-entry in the circle to test the Roses’ defensive structure. At moments, the drill-like precision in attack showed a structure that can trouble even a well-organised England unit, with timely changes of pace proving decisive in the critical late stages.
Key moments that swung the needle
As the game tightened in the final minutes, New Zealand leaned on experience and composure. A late defensive stand halted a Roses surge, and careful shot selection helped the Ferns maintain a slender lead. While the margin wasn’t wide, every possession mattered, and the visitors managed the clock effectively in the closing stages to seal the win.
Turning the screw: what this means for the series
Securing the first win in a three-match series in London is a significant psychological edge for the Silver Ferns. It places pressure on England to respond in the second and third tests while giving the Ferns confidence in their ability to control games against quality opposition abroad. The performance also highlighted the depth available to New Zealand, with contributions across the court and a clear game plan that can adapt to different defensive looks from the Roses.
Looking ahead
With one test down, both teams will reassess and seek improvements in ball retention and transition speed. For the Silver Ferns, building on Heffernan’s pressure and sharpening finishing under fatigue will be key as the series moves on. For England, the challenge will be to lock in their own defensive pressure and convert more of their opportunities in the circle—areas that can often decide tight matches in this rivalry.
