FAST5 Ferns deny fast finishing England

The FAST5 Ferns relied on a fast start to get them over a tough England team in their second game of the FAST5 Netball World Series in Christchurch, winning 32-21.

They raced out to a 15-2 lead before weathering a determined English side in the second half and attacker Amorangi Malesala said it took a full team effort across the court to nab the victory.

“We can’t just rely on the big plays but have to do the work all over the court on defence and attack and I think you’re seeing that tenacity out there,” she said.

“There were a few lulls (against England) but I think you’ve got to expect that in a game like Fast5.  But I’m loving it, just the atmosphere and the fun out there.  It’s been great.”

It was the Ferns second win of the day, having accounted for Malawi earlier, and they meet Australia in their final match of day one at 8.15pm.

On the back of suffocating defence, forcing England into a number of held balls, the Ferns maintained their early advantage to lead 21-8 at halftime.

But it was England which had the better of the third spell, winning it 7-4 to slash the difference to 10 with six minutes to play.

And England kept coming with a number of turnovers in the fourth quarter but were unable to convert all of their possession, falling short in a tight final spell.

The FAST5 Ferns take on last year’s winners, Australia, to wrap up the first day of play at the FAST5 Netball World Series.