Netball: Silver Ferns step up to clinch series

New Zealand comfortably sealed the three-test netball series against England in Wellington tonight, cruising to a 74-30 victory in the second test.

The Silver Ferns dominated England from the outset at the Events Centre winning the first quarter 21-7 before building what proved to be an unassailable 37-16 halftime lead.

The Silver Ferns who led 55-26 after three quarters hammered home their advantage in the final quarter, winning it by 19 goals to four.

New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken stressed all week that she wanted a more cohesive effort from her mid-court after their rusty 52-30 win in last Saturday's first test in Auckland -- and her players responded.

Skipper Adine Wilson, centre Temepara George and goal defence Joline Henry produced an impressive first half effort providing quality ball to Irene Van Dyk, who again showed her star shooting qualities in her 54th test.

Aitken gave Laura Langman her first start at wing defence, while in the only other change to the first test starting line-up, Henry came on at goal defence.

England were dealt a blow before the starting whistle when captain Olivia Murphy, who played the first half of the first test was sidelined, still struggling with a foot injury.

Henry made her impact felt immediately, bagging some crucial steals while also firing numerous bullet passes into the shooting circle.

The Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic player combined well with goalkeep Anna Scarlett as England quickly fell off the pace early into the first quarter with Van Dyk in top form landing all but three of the first quarter goals.

Few passes were spilt as Van Dyk, the eventual player of the match, was the main target for the feeders as Wilson and George provided clean ball, but goal attack Jodi Te Huna showed her shooting nerves from Auckland were not completely extinguished.

The England defensive pairing of Geva Mentor and Sonia Mkoloma, who caused some headaches in the first test, proved more of a nuisance then deterrence to Van Dyk tonight.

The second quarter started ominously for the visitors as the Sliver Ferns maintained the momentum, breaking to a 33-12 lead midway through the quarter.

Wilson's combination with George increased in tempo as the Silver Ferns raised the pace.

Henry continued to impress as she and Scarlett starved the English shooters of quality ball, although goalshoot Karen Greig showed some good touches.

The test was virtually decided with New Zealand's imposing 21-goal halftime lead and the hosts did not let up in the closing stages.

In the second spell, Aitken brought on Victoria Edward for Langman with the New Zealand under-21 captain proving she could cope with top-flight international netball, while Canterbury Flame Vilimaina Davu replaced Scarlett for her 42nd cap.

The Silver Ferns mid-court stepped up another gear as George and Wilson found more space in the second half as Van Dyk continued to drill the goals.

Aitken rung the changes in the final quarter with Scarlett coming back on goal defence, Sheryl Scanlan at wing defence while Edward moved to centre.

The alterations did not impede the Silver Ferns' progress as they showed what the world champions were capable of.

Aitken said tonight's performance was especially pleasing given the improvement in their pace and mid-court work.

"We looked to take the speed up through the court and it was great to see that happen. Another bonus was that the substitutions we made were quite seamless."

Aitken also acknowledged Henry's contribution which would have run van Dyk close for player of the match.

"For Joline to step up from the first test to the second was quite outstanding, and it showed what she could do with some mileage under her belt."

After labelling her first test effort as a "shocker", Van Dyk, not surprisingly was rapt with tonight's effort landing 52 goals from 57 attempts.

"I loved it out there," she said.

"It was absolutely fantastic to get that urgency again."

The third test is in Invercargill on Saturday.

Score: New Zealand 74 England 30. 1st quarter: 21-7, 2nd: 37-16, 3rd 55-26, 4th 74-30.

- NZPA