The Vitality Roses recorded a historic 45-55 win over the New Zealand Silver Ferns at the Christchurch Arena on Wednesday morning.
England enjoyed their first victory over the Silver Ferns in 32 months and first win on New Zealand soil since September 2018.
The result avenged a six-goal defeat earlier in the week and means the 2021 Cadbury Netball Series will be decided live on Sky Sports on Friday morning.
Both teams made changes for this one. Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby brought in Imogen Allison and George Fisher while Noeline Taurua called upon the more experienced Sulu Fitzpatrick and Shannon Saunders among others.
Claire Kersten got the second test underway and some patient play gave Te Paea Shelby-Rickets the opportunity to score the opening goal, which she did expertly. At the other end, Fisher scored an instant equaliser after a pass from Laura Malcolm.
Malcolm continued to impress with her passing range as it continued to go goal-for-goal in the opening exchanges. A Kersten intercept and an outstanding effort from Monday’s Player of the Match Tiana Metuarau, however, put the Silver Ferns two ahead with eight minutes gone.
England were behind for the remainder of the first 15 minutes. New Zealand went into the second quarter with a 10-7 lead.
There were six fewer goals at this stage than on Monday which highlighted both the superb defensive work from the likes of Layla Guscoth but also potential errors in England’s attacking third.
Thirlby made an early substitute to bring on Drakeford-Lewis at goal attack to help her side convert some of those turnovers. Her ability to shoot and open up the space certainly made an impact. After an intercept from Guscoth, Drakeford-Lewis brought England within one.
A Fisher goal with seconds of the first-half remaining meant the visitors drew the second quarter 14-14 and went into half-time against the world champions just three goals down, a two-goal improvement from the last encounter.
A turnover from substitute Beth Cobden and an error from young Kiwi shooter Grace Nweke gave England an opportunity to draw level. They obliged through Fisher and, minutes later, Drakeford-Lewis put the Vitality Roses ahead for the first time.
The team in red were truly hitting their stride. Turnovers from Mentor and Williams ensured England extended their lead further. At the end of the all-important third quarter, Thirlby’s side were three ahead.
It was a rampant start to quarter four with the Vitality Roses going five goals up with 11 minutes to go. This was in part to expert feeds from Clarke and Drakeford-Lewis who continued to find Player of the Match Fisher under the post.
England were in control over their opposition throughout the final quarter. Their confident and patient play only built more momentum as they sought a first win on New Zealand soil since 2018.
The victory looked assured as the clock ran out. A series debut for Hannah Joseph capped off a memorable day for the Vitality Roses who secured a 44-55 win to keep the Cadbury Netball Series alive.
The destination of the Taini Jamison Trophy will now be decided at 08:30 on Friday and fans can watch live on Sky Sports.
