The Vitality Roses Fight to the Top Against the Silver Ferns

England's Vitality Roses fought a tough battle to beat New Zealand's Silver Ferns, here's how it happened.

Megan Grimston
15th October 2024
Instagram @englandnetball, Fans applaud the English team despite plucky semi-final defeat

England’s Vitality Roses gearing up to take on New Zealand’s Silver Ferns signified the return of an exciting and iconic rivalry in international netball. Often narrowly matched, the Roses had already beaten the Ferns in a one goal difference in January 2024. 

Both teams came out with a strong starting seven with Liv Tchine and Lois Pearson making their international debut against the Ferns. Tchine came out in a confident performance as Goal Shooter (GS) scoring 41 goals at an 91% accuracy. Though that's not to say that the Ferns didn’t shoot without a fight. Grace Nweke (GS), scored 43 goals at an 89% accuracy in fighting response to the Roses. As the first quarter began, the Silver Ferns took an early turnover, narrowly taking the lead across the 15 minutes. The Roses didn’t have it easy, at second in the world the Silver Ferns starting seven put themselves in a strong defensive position. 

After both teams had settled into the game past the first quarter, the Vitality Roses closed the gap to just one goal at 28-27. Going into the second half of the game, the Roses made the decision to keep their starting seven the same in hopes of closing the gap to the Ferns and securing the lead themselves. Though, it seemed that the Silver Ferns still had the advantage, stretching the lead out by four; continuing their tradition of an early lead. By the penultimate quarter, the Roses had stepped up their defence and the Ferns made some switches to their starting seven. After struggling with their centre passes, the Roses were able to capitalise on the mistakes, taking the lead to 45-40. 

By the final fifteen minutes, panic had set in across the Silver Ferns who were competing on home soil, making another round of changes to their starting seven. Maia Wilson entered as Goal Attack (GA) and with three minutes left to play, the Ferns kept fighting. However, at the buzzer it wasn't enough for the New Zealand team as the Vitality Roses secured a victory at 59-55.

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