England Netball: Roses level series with win over New Zealand

Little separated the sides in a lively first quarter, which ended with the Silver Ferns holding a slender 13-12 lead.

Looking to build on their advantage in the second quarter, New Zealand opened up a four-goal lead. England fought back though were still outscored 16-15 in the second period to trail by two at the halfway stage.

But they turned things around in the third quarter, which they ended confidently with a 46-42 lead.

The Roses sustained the pressure this time – it had faltered after their stellar third-quarter performance against the Silver Ferns on Saturday. Another steal, this one by Housby, brought England head coach Jess Thirlby to her feet and, this time, the attack ended with a goal by Tchine.

With 13 seconds left on the clock, Housby netted the final goal of the game, inspiring a cheer from the home crowd which lasted until the buzzer.

“That’s the most composed I’ve seen us deep into a game of that context,” Thirlby said.

“Physically and psychologically we stood up much better today in the moments that we needed to.

“It wasn’t without its challenges but the fight and the way that they backed each other up in those closing stages was so impressive.”

Wednesday’s decider will conclude a series which forms part of the sides’ preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, held across July and August next year.