‘Flat’ England lose to New Zealand in series decider

In the final game of their three-match series against New Zealand in Manchester, England was “really flat,” losing 55-49.

After New Zealand had won the series opener on Saturday, The Roses won a heart-wrenching victory on Sunday to bring the series level.

England struggled to keep their error count down as the Silver Ferns’ efficiency and patience paid off in front of a rousing home crowd at AO Arena.

In a match all series, the Roses took the lead after the first quarter, marking their first such performance at the end of a quarter, but they lost that position.

Really flat, according to head coach Jess Thirlby. We did feel a little bit self-centered, I suppose. There was still much more to come, in my opinion.

At the start of the game, I thought both teams were a little hesitant. We were a little slow to adjust, I suppose.

Both teams struggled to hold onto the ball in a tense first quarter, but the Roses took the lead 14-11.

As England was punished for their carelessness and errors began to pile up, The Silver Ferns quickly bridge that gap in quarter two.

In an effort to change the momentum, Thirlby shuffled the attack end, opting for Helen Housby as goal shooter, as England lacked the potency shown in game two.

However, the hosts were unable to stop New Zealand from turning the tables and extending their two-goal lead to half-time.

After the break, England rallied, much to the delight of a hushed home crowd, as Housby and Lois Pearson combined well in the shooting circle with London Pulse defensive duo Halimat Adio and Funmi Fadoju, who worked hard to win the ball back.

However, the Roses lost their way in the final few minutes of the third quarter, giving New Zealand a 42-38 lead heading into the final period.

As England attempted to reduce the deficit, Fadoju claimed a loose Silver Ferns pass at the start of the fourth quarter. However, as New Zealand’s lead was further extended, defensive hard work was not always rewarded with goals at the other end.

England’s shooters failed to replicate Sunday’s effective display, recording an unusually low 83% shooting accuracy and shoddy passing that caused three possession losses.

Thirlby remarked, “We gave them more ball today, and it was cheap ball, it was missed shots that we’re not used to,” adding that.

“The ball couldn’t be found,” the player said. We didn’t get a score off of it if we found it. We had a missed opportunity if we were starting to establish ourselves in the game.

Under the post, Grace Nweke consistently excelled, while Maddy Gordon consistently shined at center.

Thirlby altered his attack, but no combination produced the desired result and the Roses were unable to close the gap.