A repeat thriller leaves England on top
The Silver Ferns were edged out by England once more in the second netball test in London, the final score a familiar 61-58. After a closely fought encounter in the first match, the series pendulum swung again in favor of the English, who showed grit in defense and accuracy in attack to seal the win. The result keeps the series alive but hands England a 2-0 lead in the two-match set, setting up a decisive third contest for the visitors.
Close contest from opening whistle
From the opening minutes, both teams traded goals with precision and tempo, suggesting the scoreline would mirror the frantic exchanges seen in the opener. The Silver Ferns, eager to break the pattern, looked to exploit fast movement through midcourt while England’s defense applied pressure at the edge of the circle. The ball flowed with back-and-forth intensity, and neither side could establish a decisive cushion for long stretches.
Key moments that defined the match
As the quarter progressed, small margins began to make the difference. A couple of crucial turnovers by the Silver Ferns’ feed into the shooting circle tested their reliability under pressure, while England’s shooters found rhythm from short-range feeds and effective pick-and-rolls in the shooting circle. Penalty calls and timing around the shooting arc dictated momentum shifts, with each team responding quickly to the other’s game plan.
Defensive discipline and edge for England
England’s defensive unit worked tirelessly to disrupt the Ferns’ rhythm, with intercepts and well-timed contact halting line-breaking passes. The English defensive pressure forced errors that the home team then capitalized on through rapid counter-attacks and controlled possessions. This patience in defense allowed England to stay within striking distance and create late-quarter opportunities that nudged the scoreboard in their favor.
Silver Ferns’ resilience and areas to improve
New Zealand again displayed their characteristic resilience, fighting back when the momentum swung. Their midcourt pairing showed flashes of creativity, threading balls through traffic and maintaining composure under pressure. However, the visitors will want to tighten ball security in the attacking end and improve conversion under tight marking, particularly when England doubles down on the edge of the shooting circle.
What this means for the series
With the series level at one win apiece after two tests, a deciding third match looms large. The Silver Ferns will be looking to adjust their rotation, perhaps shuffling midcourt combinations to both exploit mismatches and blunt England’s defensive schemes. England will aim to carry the momentum, leveraging home-court familiarity and crowd energy to push the tempo and force undeniable pressure moments for the Ferns late in the game.
Looking ahead
Both teams have demonstrated elite shooting touch, fast breaks, and disciplined defense in this closely fought series. Coaches are likely to revisit lineups, player workloads, and goalies’ feeds in the lead-up to the final test to ensure fatigue does not blunt performance. For fans, a deciding game promises a memorable showdown between two of the world’s best netball outfits, each eager to claim bragging rights and momentum heading into the international calendar ahead.
As the series heads to its final chapter, the question remains: will the Silver Ferns reclaim the balance in London, or will England secure a clean sweep in a dramatic conclusion?
