England beat New Zealand in thrilling series opener

England edged retired New Zealand 59-58 successful a thrilling opening lucifer of their three-game series.

The hosts led 15-14 aft nan first 4th successful Auckland but nan sides were locked 29-29 astatine half-time successful a tight tussle.

England had spells connected apical but nan Silver Ferns kept fighting backmost until nan Roses yet sewage complete nan line.

Liv Tchine led nan measurement pinch 41 goals from 45 attempts, pinch Helen Housby adding 18.

“I’m truthful proud, we showed truthful overmuch maturity astatine nan extremity to clasp our composure,” said winning skipper Fran Williams.

Jess Thirlby’s England broadside arrived connected nan backmost of a 2-1 bid conclusion by Australia.

They play nan Silver Ferns again connected Wednesday and past connected Sunday, 6 October for nan Taini Jamison Trophy.

“We sewage a spot of momentum but past mislaid it,” said New Zealand skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio.