Silver Ferns Clinch Vitality Series Trophy with 55-49 Victory

The Silver Ferns concluded a challenging year on a high note by defeating the England Roses 55-49 in Manchester on December 10, 2023, securing the Vitality Series Trophy. This latest triumph adds to their success in September, when they completed a clean sweep against South Africa to claim the Taini Jamison Trophy.

The match showcased a spirited performance from the Silver Ferns, particularly from Kate Heffernan, who marked her 50th test in the black dress with an impressive display. The team overcame recent setbacks, including illness among squad members, to finish the season strongly.

The contest began with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, leading to a series of misplaced passes and missed shots. The England Roses capitalized on the Silver Ferns’ errors, taking a 14-11 lead at the end of the first quarter. The defensive pressure from the Roses proved significant, forcing the Silver Ferns to slow down their attacking transitions.

In the second quarter, the Silver Ferns made immediate adjustments. Maddy Gordon seized an opportunity early on, stealing a ball and quickly directing play towards Grace Nweke, who regained the lead for her team. The Roses’ defenders, Funmi Fadoju and Jas Brown, attempted to contain Nweke’s influence, allowing Georgia Heffernan to find space and contribute effectively.

Despite early struggles, the Roses adapted by moving Helen Housby back to goal shoot, where she became a dominant presence. By half-time, the Silver Ferns held a narrow 27-25 lead.

The third quarter saw the Roses come out strong, briefly taking the lead. However, Kelly Jackson played a crucial role in restoring the Silver Ferns’ advantage with timely defensive plays. Both teams exchanged leads throughout the quarter, but the Silver Ferns managed to pull ahead to a 42-38 lead by the end of the third.

In the final quarter, the Silver Ferns capitalized on their momentum. Jackson’s defensive tip led to a swift transition that showcased the team’s cohesion. They extended their lead to seven goals, the largest of the match, as they maintained pressure on the Roses’ defense.

As the game neared its conclusion, the Silver Ferns demonstrated their resilience and teamwork, ultimately securing the victory. The final score stood at 55-49, with Nweke scoring 44 goals from 48 attempts and Heffernan contributing 11 from 14. For the Roses, Housby led with 25 goals from 29 attempts.

With this victory, the Silver Ferns not only ended the year positively but also reinforced their status as a formidable force in international netball. As they look forward to the upcoming season, the team’s performance against the Roses serves as a promising indicator of their potential in future competitions.