Ferns see off England comfortably in series opener
NETBALL
EIGHT months ago, the prospect of an international netball test being played this year looked slim.
But last night, New Zealand's World Cupwinning team got back to business.
In their first international since January, the Silver Ferns beat the England Roses 5845 in Hamilton in the first test of the Taini Jamison Trophy Series.
Despite the margin, Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio said there were still things they wanted to improve.
‘‘It was a bit messy.
‘‘We’ll be happy with the win, though. A lot of things we can still fix up so looking forward to the next game,’’ she told Sky Sport after the game.
The Silver Ferns opened strongly. Recalled midcourter Sam Winders, who earned a start at wing defence, flew up and down the court interrupting England's play.
Defender Sulu Fitzpatrick, also on recall, picked up an intercept and several rebounds which helped the Ferns establish an eightgoal lead early on.
The relatively fresh shooting combination of Ekenasio and
Maia Wilson started to bloom in the second quarter. Wilson made 34 of 39 attempts.
England cocaptain Serena Guthrie did everything she could to set up opportunities for her side to score. She wasn’t shy to put her body on the line, either.
But a few too many turnovers cost England dearly and it trailed by 10 goals by halftime.
England knuckled down for the battle.
George Fisher, who is joining the Southern Steel for the 2021 ANZ Premiership season, took to the court for her 13th cap in the goal shoot bib.
Joined by shooting teammate Sophie DrakefordLewis, Fisher put up a decent performance to keep the Roses in touch.
Momentum swung briefly for the visitors but the Ferns took charge again in the final 15.
Monica Falkner was granted her first cap in the black dress to become Silver Fern No 176, though she failed to score a goal.
The sides will meet again at the same venue tomorrow and Sunday. — The New Zealand Herald