Netball Dec 07, 2025

Vitality Roses: England set for fitting netball finale against New Zealand as Jess Thirlby revels in 'composed' win

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Vitality Roses: England set for fitting netball finale against New Zealand as Jess Thirlby revels in 'composed' win

Vitality Roses head coach Jess Thirlby said it was "the most composed" her side have looked as England levelled their three-match netball series against New Zealand with a 61-58 win in Sunday's second match.

Thirlby rued the sloppy errors made by the hosts in a 61-58 reverse to the Silver Ferns in Saturday's opener at the Copper Box Arena in London, but they corrected things impressively at the same venue a day later.

"That's the most composed I think I've seen us deep into a game in that context and I think just physically and psychologically we stood up much better in the moments that we needed to," Thirlby said afterwards.

"It wasn't without its challenges, with New Zealand often going ahead and few lapses for us, but the fight and the way in which they backed each other up in the closing stages was so impressive. It was brilliant to watch."

Thirlby was keen to stress her delight with all members of her playing squad after the win, though did single out Helen Housby's player of the match performance.

The goal attack scored 23 goals at 96 per cent accuracy to help England take the series into a decider at the AO Arena in Manchester on Wednesday - live on SportNews Mix from 6.30pm (7pm start).

"Helen Housby's in her element in games like that," Thirlby added. "She really stood up.

"I could congratulate everyone, I think it was a real cohesive effort.

"There's no room for fairness in performance sport but it feels right that both teams have taken a scalp and it's set us up for a brilliant encounter on Wednesday."

The 30-year-old Housby, who currently plays her club netball for New South Wales Swifts in Australia, is excited to return to Manchester where her career began with the Thunder from 2013-2016.

"I just can't wait to play in Manchester again," the England star said. " It's where I started with my netball and the crowds are amazing.

"We're going for it and I think both teams are going to come out and want to get that win. It means a lot before the Commonwealth Games next year."

Saturday November 15: Copper Box Arena, London

Sunday November 16: Copper Box Arena, London

Wednesday November 19: - AO Arena, Manchester
England vs New Zealand, 7pm

Saturday December 6: National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston, Jamaica
Jamaica vs England, TBC

Sunday December 7: National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston, Jamaica
Jamaica vs England, TBC

Saturday December 13: Copper Box Arena, London
England vs Jamaica, 2.15pm

Sunday December 14: Copper Box Arena, London
England vs Jamaica, 2pm

Times subject to slight change due to broadcast requirements

Tags:

netball news id:13471941

Share this article

Related Posts

England have selection problem and need more Helen Housby and Liv Tchine support, says Tamsin Greenway

England have selection problem and need more Helen Housby and Liv Tchine support, says Tamsin Greenway

England are lacking obvious support for Helen Housby and Liv Tchine ahead of the Commonwealth Games, say Tamsin Greenway and Tracey Neville. Speaking...

England Netball head coach: Five contenders who could lead Roses into next World Cup

England Netball head coach: Five contenders who could lead Roses into next World Cup

The shock stepping down of Jess Thirlby, with Anna Stembridge stepping up as interim head coach, has left the England Vitality Roses in unknown territ...

It’s a game-changer: How inclusive kit and athlete action are breaking down barriers for girls and keeping them in sport

It’s a game-changer: How inclusive kit and athlete action are breaking down barriers for girls and keeping them in sport

Nearly two thirds (64 per cent) of girls quit sport by the age of 16. It's a stark statistic - and one that raises an uncomfortable question.When so m...

Netball Super League: Manchester Thunder aiming for fairytale Grand Final victory on home soil at Co-op Live

Netball Super League: Manchester Thunder aiming for fairytale Grand Final victory on home soil at Co-op Live

There's a month to go until the Netball Super League Grand Final - and the AO Manchester Thunder are coveting the opportunity to win it all on home so...

England netball star Helen Housby ruled out of this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with back injury

England netball star Helen Housby ruled out of this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with back injury

England star Helen Housby will miss the Commonwealth Games due to injury.The Games are set to take place in Glasgow from July 23 until August 2, but E...

England Netball head coach Anna Stembridge 'confident' about Vitality Roses squad ahead of Commonwealth Games challenge

England Netball head coach Anna Stembridge 'confident' about Vitality Roses squad ahead of Commonwealth Games challenge

England Netball head coach Anna Stembridge believes she has a squad good enough to make a major impact at this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow....