Nathan Limm of NZME and Sky’s Courtney Tairi look back on the semifinal defeat to England.
Tears are flowing in the Silver Ferns camp after getting their Netball World Cup dream ripped apart by England in the semifinals in Cape Town.
Francesca Williams’ late intercept saw the Roses take control in the fourth quarter after scores were locked at 32-32 after 45 minutes.
New Zealand captainAmeliaranne Ekenasio was left to rue late errors.
“It’s real devastating for us. We’re feeling really heartbroken as well, especially knowing we really were in it for the three quarters and I think we really stood up. It’s been the story for us so far - that fourth quarter - but I really thought we had our chances as well,” Ekenasio said.
The 14-8 final-quarter defeat continues the trend - set against South Africa and Jamaica - of faltering at the last hurdle.
Coach Dame Noeline Taurua summed up the performance.
“We were under massive pressure right throughout the game. At times, it was ebbing and flowing but probably in the last six or seven minutes, things started to fall apart a wee bit,” Taurua said.
“When there are gaps or we aren’t able to stand up to pressure, the turnover happens. We just need to go into tomorrow’s game looking to be better than we were. I can only be proud of where they are. They’ve done their best.”
England’s suffocating defence saw the Ferns struggle to find space in the shooting circle, putting up only 41 attempts compared to England’s 54.
Goal keep Kelly Jury put in a standout performance, forcing numerous turnovers and dominating veteran English goal shoot Eleanor Cardwell, who sank only 25 from 31 attempts.
Ameliaranne Ekenasio (Captain) of New Zealand Silver Ferns during the Netball World Cup. Photo / Photosport.co.nz
Jury admitted it was frustrating seeing so many basic mistakes.
“They’ve been popping up right throughout the tournament for us and they’re just not good enough. They are both individual and as a collective. It’s on all of us because we’re putting that kind of pressure on each other.”
Numerous wayward passes - culminating in two crucial turnovers in the fourth quarter - proved the Ferns’ downfall.
Ekenasio said they were flummoxed by the Roses’ defence and ran out of ideas.
Players during the Netball World Cup 2023, Semi Final 1 match between England and New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images.
“England really stood up. I don’t care how long it takes to get the ball in as long as we get it in and we’ve got 100 per cent options. We just didn’t quite have that in the end.”
Meanwhile, England coach Jess Thirlby was beaming after leading her side to their maiden World Cup final.
“Very proud. I’m a little bit overwhelmed with what the team has just been able to do. To win a game in that way is that most satisfying feeling.”
New Zealand will attempt to shake off the disappointment ahead of tonight’s bronze medal match against Jamaica, who were edged 57-54 by Australia in the other semi.
Jury is adamant there is still plenty of motivation to make the podium.
“We don’t want to go home empty-handed. I could almost guarantee in the build-up to this tournament we’ve worked the hardest out of all the teams, so we need something to take home to show for it.”
Ekenasio said they still have more to give.
“We have to get up again and find a way. We’ve got a lot of heart left so we’re not done yet.”
Silver Ferns goal shoot Grace Nweke speaks about the Constellation Cup series and the rivalry against the Diamonds in the final match. Video / Alyse Wright
