Silver Ferns Triumph Over England, Conclude Chaotic Season

The Silver Ferns capped a tumultuous 2025 season with a decisive 55-49 victory over the England Roses in Manchester. This win secured a 2-1 series triumph and is likely the team’s final match before they head to the Commonwealth Games in July. The victory came amidst a backdrop of challenges, including a stomach bug that circulated through the team prior to the match.

This season has been particularly intense for the Silver Ferns, who played their twelfth match within a two-month span. The whirlwind began with the unexpected suspension of head coach Dame Noeline Taurua due to environmental concerns, just days before the team managed a 3-0 series victory against South Africa. The turbulent circumstances surrounding the coaching staff did not deter the Silver Ferns, who entered the series against England with a strong desire to assert their dominance.

Dynamic Match Highlights

The thrilling encounter saw the Silver Ferns and the Roses locked in a tight contest, with the teams evenly matched over 12 previous tests since January 2023, each claiming six victories. As the final match unfolded, the Silver Ferns demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Coach Yvette McCausland-Durie, who stepped in as interim coach for the season, made strategic adjustments to the lineup, including the introduction of Carys Stythe and Peta Toeava.

The first quarter began with England capitalizing on a Silver Ferns’ center pass error, taking an early lead of 14-11. Despite some early mistakes, the Silver Ferns regrouped and scored the first four goals of the second quarter, showcasing their determination to reclaim control. Notably, shooter Grace Nweke, who had previously achieved a remarkable 100 percent shooting accuracy in the second test, continued to be a key player in the scoring department.

As the match progressed, England’s coach Jess Thirlby made tactical changes, shifting players to enhance their attacking strategy. However, the Silver Ferns maintained composure, leading by two goals at halftime.

The third quarter was pivotal, with both teams exchanging momentum. England momentarily gained the upper hand, but crucial interceptions by players like Kate Heffernan helped the Silver Ferns regain control, ending the quarter with a 42-38 lead.

Looking Ahead

The final quarter saw England trying to mount a comeback, narrowing the lead to just two goals. Nevertheless, the Silver Ferns responded effectively, closing out the match with a two-goal margin in the final quarter.

With the conclusion of this series, the Silver Ferns have demonstrated significant growth, especially after enduring back-to-back losses to the Australian Diamonds earlier in the season. Despite setbacks, they achieved notable victories against the Scottish Thistles and now exit this international window on a high note.

McCausland-Durie will return to her role managing a school in Auckland, while Taurua has been reinstated as head coach. The team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure is promising as they prepare for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, aiming to build on this momentum and solidify their standing in international netball.