Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 16, 2024 7:04 am GMT
In an exhilarating start to the netball series, England’s Vitality Roses lead New Zealand’s Silver Ferns 1-0. The Roses snatched victory with a narrow 59-58 win in the opening match, setting the stage for a thrilling second contest. With the next match looming, coach Jess Thirlby is preparing her team for another fierce battle, aiming to secure the coveted Taini Jamison Trophy.
Anticipation for Second Test
The second Test takes place on October 2 in Porirua, and fans can catch it live at 7:30 AM on Sky Sports Mix or for free on the Sky Sports YouTube channel. Thirlby is optimistic, trusting in her squad’s ability to rise to the occasion once again.
A Close Call
The opening match was a nail-biter. England managed to cling to their lead in the final minutes for the win. Thirlby commented on the importance of these matches for her team’s development: “We obviously do a lot of pressure training back home, but nothing quite replaces the real thing.”
This match adds to the already heated rivalry. In early 2024, England also claimed victory over New Zealand in the Vitality Netball Nations Cup, with the matches consistently showcasing exciting and close outcomes.
Team Resilience
Despite a demanding schedule, England’s young lineup has shown remarkable resilience. Just three days separated their last match in Australia from the series opener in New Zealand, and the two-hour time difference posed additional challenges. Thirlby praised her players: “What I’m really impressed with is the will to win.”
- Last match result: England 59 – New Zealand 58
- Date of second Test: October 2, 2024
- Live broadcast at 7:30 AM on Sky Sports Mix
Response from the Silver Ferns
The Silver Ferns, led by captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, aim to bounce back swiftly. After the recent loss, Ekenasio acknowledged areas for improvement: “We had a few too many patches where we lost a few in a row.” She stressed that the team needs to come out fighting with a stronger attitude to overcome England’s challenge.
New Zealand has dominated the Taini Jamison Trophy in the past two editions, defeating teams like Jamaica. They will be eager to reclaim this trophy, adding more pressure to the upcoming matches.
Looking Ahead
Both teams are now fully focused on the monumental task ahead. The competition between England and New Zealand continues to heighten, with both sides eager to showcase their skills. Fans are in for a treat with the promise of tightly contested matches.
The anticipation is palpable as the series progresses. With a win, England will claim the Taini Jamison Trophy for the first time since 2021. As the players prepare to take the court once more, the excitement builds, promising another thrilling encounter.
For those wanting to follow more of the action, the next matches are scheduled for:
- Second Test: October 2, 2024, in Porirua
- Third Test: October 6, 2024, in Invercargill
Watch all the fun of the Vitality Roses’ tour on Sky Sports! Get ready to cheer as these two teams compete for not just a win, but also for pride and glory in netball.
