Mes-merising Ferns

NZ hang on to trophy with Mes and Tutaia landing killer blows in night of milestones

On a night of emotional tributes at Claudelands Arena, the Silver Ferns delivered a passionate performance to fend off England and retain netball’s Taini Jamison Trophy.

After a 49-46 loss in Napier at the weekend, the Ferns were facing the reality of being the first New Zealand side to drop a series against the Roses in 61 years of competition. But the Ferns showed huge character in a tense, and at times heated, battle to ensure they celebrated skipper Katrina Grant’s 100th test in style.

Grant last night joined Lesley Rumball, Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman, Leana de Bruin, Maria Tutaia and Casey Kopua — the woman she replaced as Ferns skipper — in the exclusive group of players to reach the milestone.

It was also a big night for Kopua, who announced her retirement from international netball earlier this year, who was officially farewelled in front of her home crowd in Hamilton.

There were hallmarks of Kopua’s leadership in Grant’s performance last night, with the athletic defender leading a committed defensive effort to help the Ferns claw their way back from a 30-26 deficit at the halftime.

Grant proved the most productive defender on court, finishing with four deflections, three intercepts and three rebounds, but the stat she was most proud of was the scoreboard. She admitted she was relieved she didn’t have to dwell on a loss on such a big occasion for her.

“You never want to lose a game on your milestone, plus with Taini Jamison being here and the 1967 World Cup team here as well, there were quite a few things going on and we wanted to make them proud as well,” said Grant.

The home side were put in the position of playing catch-up after a woeful 9-17 second quarter effort. After struggling to adjust in the first quarter to the re-jigged New Zealand shooting end featuring Maria Tutaia at goal shoot and Bailey Mes out at goal attack, the English defensive end 62 55