The Silver Ferns have overcome a continuing third-quarter bogey to salvage some pride against the touring England Roses with a 61-56 win at Invercargill.
England had already clinched the three-game Taini Jamison Trophy series with wins at Auckland and Porirua, but the NZ women stuck to their task, taking out three of the four quarters to emerge with a morale-boosting result, as they prepare for this month's Constellation Cup against world champions Australia.
As they had in the previous two meetings, the Kiwis suffered a lapse after leading 32-28 at halftime, but retained their lead into the final quarter and built on it to win going away over a reshuffled English line-up.
Coach Dame Noeline Taurua inserted both rookies Parris Mason and Claire O'Brien into her starting unit, as she searched for the combination that would turn the tide. She stuck with her starters throughout the contest, making no substitutions.
The Ferns were again efficient around the attack circle, targeting tall shooter Grace Nweke under goal. She was on target with 48 goals from 52 attempts, ably supported by captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio (13/14).
"It's been coming, it's been building over the last couple of games," reflected defender Karin Burger. "It was really good to see we got our mana together and everyone gelled really well.
"I feel like we were really connected on court and even our bench was really loud. Just glad it's all come together in that last game."
They now have two weeks to regroup for four matches against the Diamonds, beginning at Wellington on October 20.
New Zealand 61 (Nweke 48/52, Ekenasio 13/14) England 56 (Tchine 34/36, Housby 18/22, Pearson 4/7)
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