A geared up Silver Ferns took control from the word go in England’s first match of the New Zealand tour with a 65-26 win.
There was no let-up from the Silver Ferns, as they dominated the court with their tremendous speed and faultless shooting ability.
England’s Geva Mentor suffered an ankle injury against New Zealand’s A team in a warm up match on Saturday so was forced out of the first test. However, Pamela Cookey was warmly welcomed to the New Zealand leg of the tour playing goal attack.
Proving to be an inspiration and driving force for England was Sonia Mkoloma, who led by example and performed to a high standard throughout, battling mightily to contain the Silver Ferns’ slick play.
The Silver Ferns were 16-7 at the first break.
In an effort to pick up the game, England made changes as Jo Binns replaced Sasha Corbin as wing attack.
England fought their hardest to compete with the Silver Ferns defence but failed to pick up the game before half time.
England’s national coach, Sue Hawkins, said: “Silver Ferns played a blinder.”
Silver Ferns led by 30-12 at half time, when more changes were made by the England Squad. Jo Binns replaced Karen Atkinson as centre position, allowing Atkinson to change to wing attack and Sara Bayman came on as wing defence for Jade Clarke.
With Silver Ferns ahead 47-18 at three-quarter time, England made its last changes with Jade Clarke back as centre, Jo Binns off, Naida Hutchinson on as goal defence for Ama Agbeze, Rachel Dunn on as goal shooter, Pamela Cookey off, Louisa Brownfield changing from goal shooter to goal attack and Rachel Dunn on as goal shooter. As a result of the various changes, England played their best quarter.
Loss of possession through turnovers and missed shots cost England; their 68 per cent conversion rate was below the finishing of the Silver Firms, which rated at a superior 86 percent.
Commenting on the game, Nigel Holl, director of netball at England Netball, said: “This game must not mask the impact England has had on the tour so far. England knows the levels they have to rise to in order to contain a very slick Sliver Ferns in the rest of the series. “
Match Statistics
Umpires: Sharon Kelly & Rachael Ayre; Reserve: Jacqui Jashari (all Australia)
Player of the Match: Joline Henry
1st Qtr: 16-7 to New Zealand
2nd Qtr: 30-12 (14-5) to New Zealand
3rd Qtr: 47-18 (17-6) to New Zealand
4th Qtr: 65-26 (18-8) to New Zealand
Shooting Statistics: New Zealand - 86% overall
Irene van Dyk 10/10; 5/6; 11/11; 12/13 (95%)
Maria Tutaia 6/6; 9/11; -; (88%)
Daneka Wipiiti -; -; 6/10; 6/9 (63%)
Shooting Statistics: England - 68% overall
Louisa Brownfield 4/5; 5/6; 6/6; 4/7 (79%)
Pamela Cookey 3/5; 0/1; 0/4; - (30%)
Rachel Dunn -; -; -; 4/4 (100%)
SILVER FERNS
Irene van Dyk GS, GS, GA, GA
Maria Tutaia GA, GA, -, -
Laura Langman WA, WA, WA, C
Julie Seymour C, C, C, -
Joline Henry WD, WD, WD, WD
Sheryl Scanlan GD, GD, -, -,
Casey Williams GK, GK, GK, GK
Daneka Wipiiti -, -, GS, GS
Leana de Bruin -, -, GD, GD
Maree Bowden -, -, -, WA
ENGLAND
Louisa Brownfield GS, GS, GS, GA
Pamela Cookey GA, GA, GA, -
Sasha Corbin WA, -, -, -
Karen Atkinson C, C, WA, WA
Jade Clarke WD, -, -, C
Ama Agbeze GD, GD, GK, -
Sonia Mkoloma GK, GK, GD, GK
Sara Bayman -, WD, WD, WD
Jo Binns -, WA, C, -
Naida Hutchinson -, -, -, GD
Rachel Dunn -, -, -, GS
