New Zealand beat England 55–49 in Manchester on Tuesday to win the final match of their three-game netball series. The match, played at the AO Arena, saw England take an early lead but struggle to keep control as New Zealand pulled ahead.
The Roses had levelled the series on Sunday after losing the first match on Saturday. Hopes were high in front of a home crowd, but England’s errors and missed chances proved costly.
England led 14–11 after the first quarter, their best start of the series. But in the second quarter, mistakes crept in and the Silver Ferns took advantage. By half-time, New Zealand were ahead by two goals.
England’s defence worked hard after the break, especially Halimat Adio and Funmi Fadoju, while Helen Housby and Lois Pearson fought to keep the score close. But by the end of the third quarter, New Zealand were leading 42–38.
In the final quarter, England tried to fight back, but their shooting accuracy dropped to 83%. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Grace Nweke stayed strong under the post, and Maddy Gordon helped control the game from centre.
Head coach Jess Thirlby said the team felt “really flat” and didn’t play at their best. She said England gave the ball away too easily and missed important shots.
England will next face Jamaica in December and South Africa in January as they prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
