Ferns slip to hosts

NETBALL: The Silver Ferns were beaten 54-41 by England in Liverpool to open the northern Quad Series. Ferns coach Noeline Taurua used all 12 squad members and handed test debuts to defender Erena Mikaere, who replaced Jane Watson in the third quarter, and 21-year-old midcourter Kimiora Poi, who was injected just before half time. But having set a target of two wins from three in this serie much work remains for Taurua over the next six days before facing Australia in London.