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Fiona Goodall / Getty Images
Maia Wilson shot superbly for the Silver Ferns in Test 3 against England.
Sweeping the Roses of England 3-0 was just the final point the Silver Ferns wanted to end 2020.
The Silver Ferns had already won the series after victories in Test 1 and 2 and New Zealand won 62-47 at Hamilton on Sunday night to close out the Taini Jamison Trophy Series in style.
Tickets for the Claudelands Arena were once again sold out, something that will delight New Zealand Netball after being pushed to the brink financially by Covid-19, and the Silver Ferns were emphatic in their third test against England, who have been tough opponents despite the absence of key players in Australia.
But the Roses weakened in the 100th round of netball between the two nations, and a dominating start to the third quarter meant New Zealand’s winning streak at Hamilton, dating back to 1998, was extended to 12 rounds.
Silver Ferns scorer Maia Wilson, who was excellent in every test, was excellent under the net with 44 goals in 47 attempts, and captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio added 17 goals, while Kelly Jury was impressive as a goalkeeper, thwarting the attack. England in its rapid start. and Jane Watson was solid on defense.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games champion England made a lot of changes during the match, giving their traveling squad more test-level experience before a long journey home, and New Zealand’s world champion team should have closer and fiercer battles with the Roses for years. come.
Despite losing to New Zealand men in last month’s Cadbury Series, the Silver Ferns will finish 2020 undefeated in seven rounds, although they have not played against world number one Australia due to the impact of Covid-19 on the sports calendar. .
Australian diamonds are still considered the sport’s benchmark and will be in New Zealand’s sights in 2021, assuming trans-Tasman testing is possible.
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua hinted at changes after Friday’s 54-47 win, which was tighter than the 13-point margin from the first round, and there were three in the starting seven, one of which Jury replaced Sulu Fitzpatrick.
The defensive work and the height of the jury led the Silver Ferns to lead 3-0 in the opening minutes, but England fought back in a difficult first quarter plagued by loose passes.
The Roses were punished more severely as the hosts pounced on the counterattack to stay in front, but England goal scorer George Fisher, who was being flustered by the jury, kept up with them in contention with his precision.
Likewise, the New Zealand shooters were not lacking and their advantage grew in a sharper second quarter, while the Roses rolled their changes.
England decided to eliminate midfield star Laura Malcolm and the Silver Ferns led by seven at halftime, even as Wilson missed his first shot.
New Zealand’s five-goal streak ruined their lead, though England kept coming in a reverse third quarter, and 10 goals separated the sides.
Another wave of Silver Ferns to start the fourth quarter put the test beyond England and rookie goal striker Monica Falkner closed out the New Zealand series with her first test goal in the final minute.
TAKE A LOOK:
Silver ferns 62 (Maia Wilson 44/47, Ameliaranne Ekenasio 17/18, Monica Falkner 1/2) England 47 (George Fisher 26/28, Eleanor Caldwell 14/17, Sophie Drakeford-Lewis 7/8). Quarterly scores: 1Q: 12-10, HT: 26-19, 3Q: 45-35.
