Tuesday 21 October 2014 13:18, UK
England have been crowned as World Netball Series champions after they overcame New Zealand 33-26 in the final.
England have been crowned as World Netball Series champions after they overcame New Zealand 33-26 in the final.
An incredible game of 'Fast Net' at the Liverpool Echo Arena saw England's better use of the 'powerplay' prove to be the difference.
Jo Harten and Pamela Cookey were impressive in attack and it was their ice-cool accuracy that kept England in the game after a fast start from the Silver Ferns.
In defence Eboni Beckford-Chambers was superb as she continually collected the New Zealand rebounds.
There was little to choose between the two old rivals going into the third quarter - but England's finishing during the powerplay gave them a decisive lead going into the final six minutes.
Few would have expected England to have gone all the way after they suffered defeats to New Zealand, Australia and Jamaica in the pool stage.
Anna Mayes' side, though, regrouped and finished fourth in the standings to secure their place in the semi-final.
Again England's use of the powerplay had proved pivotal as they managed to pull clear of Australia and avenge their earlier loss with a 27-17 victory.
New Zealand had booked their place in the final with a nail-biting 30-29 victory over Jamaica.
Australia then rubbed salt in to Jamaica's wounds as they bounced to secure a 34-24 victory in the third-placed play-off, while South Africa beat Fiji 24-19 to finish fifth
