Having failed to keep up with the World Number 2 side on Saturday in Manchester, England knew how vital it was to get into the game from the first whistle and while it was a brighter start it was the Silver Ferns of New Zealand who were making their turn-overs and shots count.
Maria Tutaia had a poor day out in the first Test but was in better form under the post and with Irene Van Dyke consistently landing her attempts New Zealand went to the first break nine goals ahead 15-6.
The second quarter saw England follow two game-plans, the first being very much the wrong one. The Ferns GK and GD Scarlett and Williams upset the England shooters, as the tourists shot into a 12 goal lead.
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With just under ten minutes to play there was a medical time-out for Louisa Brownfield, Jo Harten came on at GS, Stacey Francis put on the GD bib and Serena Guthrie came on at WD. With plan B in action there was an immediate improvement from England who came from 8-20 down to 14-20.
Stacey Francis was inspirational in tipping and turning over the balls, providing a no nonsense physicality in the defensive circle. England’s goal run was halted when New Zealand’s centre Camilla Lees found herself needing medical treatment when play resumes the Silver Ferns had reorganised themselves to led 24-17 at half-time.
There was frustration on the England bench as Sara Bayman was sent-off for two goals for persistent infringement on the edge of the circle, an umpiring decision that wasn’t popular with coach Sue Hawkins. England landed one of those shots so no real damage was done.
Stacey Francis should be proud of her day’s work, she was justly named Player of the Match and along with Serena Guthrie and Sasha Corbin were highly visible during the last quarter. Sonia Mkoloma, celebrating her 32nd birthday was, as always despite a crowd of 4,500, clearly heard marshalling her defence force and helping England turnover plenty of ball on the edge of of the Ferns circle New Zealand only had 8 attempts in the last quarter they netted 5.
England could feel they had their opponents rattled, Jo Harten ws flawless with 8 goals from her 8 shots and although they were back in the game for the second Test running it was too late and the Commonwealth Games champions were strong enough to hold on.
RESULT: ENG 39-41 NZ so New Zealand win the 3 match series with one game to play at the O2 tomorrow.
Lisa O’Sullivan, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
