The Vitality Roses came from behind to beat New Zealand in dramatic fashion and pick up their first points of the Fast5 Netball World Series competition.
New Zealand led from the off and a last-gasp four pointer by Georgia Heffernan - the only goal in the opening power play - saw them with a six-goal advantage (9-3) at the end of the first quarter.
Emma Thacker was introduced in the second quarter and made her mark, scoring England's first four goals, before teammate Paige Reed sunk a two pointer and a four pointer in the power play to cut the deficit to just one. Heffernan still had time to add an extra two points to New Zealand's tally before half time though (16-13).
Speaking in the third quarter, Kat Ratnapala sung the praises of her young side and her excitement that "the different combinations that we've got out on court is fantastic to see." A brilliant no-look pass from Reed found Thacker under the post to bring England level at 18-all within the opening three mins of the third quarter. New Zealand pulled away again but Thacker landed two points on the buzzer to make it just three the difference going into the final quarter (23-20).
New Zealand maintained their lead and looked on course to secure victory but Reed held her nerve in front of the home fans to sink a match-winning six pointer with seconds remaining on the clock.
Vitality Rose Jayda Pechova was named Player of the Match.
In their final game on day one, the Vitality Roses face Uganda at 7am UK time. UK and international viewers can watch all the games live on Netball Pass. Viewers can register to the online platform for free at: netballpass.com
