14 Oct 2008

Silver Ferns too good for England

8:08 am on 14 October 2008

The Silver Ferns outclassed England 65-26 in the first netball Test on Monday.

Faultless shooting from Irene van Dyk and Maria Tutaia saw the Silver Ferns to a 16-7 lead in the first quarter at Auckland's Vector Arena.

Both missed early in the second quarter, but with Casey Williams and Jolene Henry dominating the defence at the other end, England's shooters seldom looked capable of bridging the gap.

At half time, the Ferns were ahead 30-12. Coach Judith Aitken moved van Dyk to goal attack bringing Daneka Wipiiti to goal shoot, while Leana de Bruin took over for Sheryl Scanlan at goal defence.

England's line-up changed again too, but New Zealand's momentum did not falter and they led 47-18 going into the final quarter, before wrapping up the game.

The second Test will be played in Dunedin on Wednesday.