Netball: Ferns take out series

Laura Langman of the Silver Ferns. Photo / Getty Images

The Silver Ferns have rounded out a disastrous season on a more positive note, salvaging a series win against England in Palmerston North.

After a 42-38 loss to the tourists in Rotorua last Tuesday, the New Zealand side were in danger of losing a home series against the English for the first time in 51 years of competition between the two nations. But a 14-goal win in game two last night was enough to ensure the Taini Jamison trophy remained in New Zealand's hands as they snapped a six-game losing run that stretched back to the Commonwealth Games semifinal.

"I don't think any one really understands how much we needed that," said sharp-shooter Cathrine Latu, who returned to the starting line-up, and to form, in last night's win. I know the fans thought they knew, but we really, really needed not just to win, but to show what we are capable of as a team."

Latu's sense of relief was echoed by coach Waimarama Taumaunu, who was delighted with the resilience her side displayed in the face of unprecedented scrutiny after last week's loss to England, which followed some ugly defeats in their 4-0 series loss to Australia earlier this month.

"I've been really proud of the way they've hung together as a group and supported each other, so I guess I'm just pleased for them that the hard work they have been putting in was evident," said Taumaunu.

The New Zealand coach was particularly pleased with the way her side continued to build throughout the match, extending their lead at every break before cutting loose in the final quarter, outscoring the visitors 14-6 to notch up a convincing win.

Last night's win was built on relentless through-court pressure from the Ferns as they kept England to another modest total of 38 goals. But the key difference from their opening loss was their execution in the shooting circle, as they showed significant improvement from their dismal 62 per cent accuracy rate in game one.

Under huge pressure to perform after landing just six goals in the opening test, veteran Jodi Brown was instrumental last night as she dictated the pace around the attack end and had an impressive 24 from 30 return. But it was the inclusion of Latu (26/28) that seemed to have the biggest impact last night, as the feisty goal shoot turned in her most disciplined performance of the season.

After being benched for the past two games following a poor outing against the Diamonds in Sydney, Latu said she was determined to make the most of her opportunity.

There had been concerns in earlier matches over the Mystics' shooter's volume of shots, with the midcourt having difficulty getting the ball into the circle with Latu at the back.

Her rival for the starting spot, rookie Bailey Mes, has had better success at opening up the attack end, but her shooting accuracy had been found wanting, presenting a major selection headache for the coaching staff.

Latu's performance last night, which came after a false start when she was forced off the court for a five-minute period in the opening spell with a blood nose, went some way to relieving that headache.

Silver Ferns 52
England 38

Shooting statistics:
New Zealand
Cathrine Latu 26/28
Jodi Brown 24/30
Bailey Mes 2/4
England
Jo Harten 22/28
Rachel Dunn 16/16