Silver Ferns vs England live updates: New Zealand must win the second game of the Taini Jamison Trophy series

Live updates from the second game of the Taini Jamison Trophy series from Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua.

The Roses strike first in the Taini Jamison Trophy series

England scored first in the Taini Jamison Trophy series.

Like a year ago, the Roses came to New Zealand and defeated the Silver Ferns in the first of the three-game series, claiming a 59-58 victory in Auckland.

The hosts got off to a strong start and quickly took a 2-0 lead. However, that lead was restored almost as quickly as the tone for the game was set in the opening minutes.

Strong defensive work dominated the game, as both teams were several goals ahead at times, but the pendulum swung in the opposite direction. This was evident in the number of center passes converted, with England scoring 43 from 59 and the Silver Ferns 42 from 59.

The Roses did a good job of creating space in the middle of the court and moving the ball well to get shooters Liv Tchine (41/45) and Helen Housby (18/21) free under the basket.

Both teams had their attacking problems in the first quarter, but the Silver Ferns were able to open up a one-goal lead at the break.

In the second half, the English turned the tables and once again gained a narrow lead, so that the teams were tied 29-0 at halftime.

The Silver Ferns had success for most of the evening, lobbing passes into the circle for Grace Nweke (49/55) to take advantage of to reach them, but as the game progressed the England defenders began to see through the play and intercepted several attempts in the circle.

Through interceptions and deflections, the Roses were able to string together possessions and build a four-goal lead – both goalkeeper Fran Williams and goalkeeper Funmi Fadoju finished the game with two interceptions each.

But just when it looked like the Roses had taken control, the Silver Ferns returned the serve.

Kelly Jackson and Karin Burger were strong throughout the game, disrupting the attack, while Parris Mason made a big steal after coming into the game for her debut with about six minutes left and the Silver Ferns trailing. Maddy Gordon also impressed throughout the game with her offense in the center, both with her vision and execution in feeding the shooters and on defense.

With just over a minute to go it was the visitors who took a one-goal lead and burned for some time after the break before extending the lead to two.

The Silver Ferns got a goal back but they needed a quick rally to have a chance of forcing extra time.

It wasn’t to be, as the Roses picked up a 59-58 win.

Silver ferns 58 (Grace Nweke 49/55, Ameliaranne Ekenasio 7/8, Maia Wilson 2/2)

England Roses 59 (Liv Tchine 41/45, Helen Housby 18/21)

1Q: 15-14. HT: 29-29. 3Q: 44-45.