New Zealand vs England Netball: 2024 Taini Jamison Trophy Series

When the Silver Ferns and the Vitality Roses meet, international netball is usually decided by a handful of goals — and the 2024 series between New Zealand and England was no exception. Played across three Tests on New Zealand soil, the contest for the Taini Jamison Trophy swung both ways before a result was settled, offering newcomers and long-time fans alike a close look at two of the sport’s leading nations. This guide explains what happened, who starred and why the series mattered.

Series Overview

The Taini Jamison Trophy is the prize contested when England tours New Zealand for a bilateral netball series (a “bilateral” series is simply one played between two national teams). The 2024 edition was a best-of-three affair held between 29 September and 6 October 2024. New Zealand’s Silver Ferns were coached by Noeline Taurua and captained by Ameliaranne Ekenasio, while England’s Vitality Roses were led by coach Jess Thirlby and captain Fran Williams.

England took the series 2–1, wrapping up the trophy after the first two Tests before New Zealand claimed a consolation win in the finale. Interest in the matches extended well beyond the court, with supporters following live scores, shooting statistics and, on betting platforms such as Wildz Sports, the odds markets that surround major international fixtures.

How the Three Tests Unfolded

First Test – Auckland

The series opened at The Trusts Arena in Auckland on 29 September 2024, and it went down to the wire. England edged home 59–58, with goal shoot Olivia “Liv” Tchine converting 41 of her 45 attempts. New Zealand’s Grace Nweke matched her almost shot for shot, sinking 49 from 55, but a single goal separated the sides at the final whistle.

Second Test – Porirua

Three days later, on 2 October at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, England repeated the dose, winning 59–55. Tchine again anchored the Roses’ attack (41 from 46) and England’s defensive pressure disrupted New Zealand’s flow at key moments. Because it gave England an unassailable 2–0 lead, this result sealed the Taini Jamison Trophy with a match to spare.

Third Test – Invercargill

With the trophy already decided, New Zealand finished the series strongly at ILT Stadium Southland in Invercargill on 6 October, winning 61–56. Grace Nweke was again outstanding with 48 goals from 52 attempts, giving the home crowd a win to celebrate and the Silver Ferns momentum heading into the rest of their season.

England’s Performance

England’s series win was built on composure and clinical shooting. Olivia Tchine was the standout across all three Tests, combining accuracy with movement in the shooting circle, and Helen Housby offered an experienced attacking option alongside her. Defensively, players such as Funmi Fadoju applied consistent pressure that forced New Zealand into errors, particularly in the two Tests England won. Under coach Jess Thirlby, the Roses showed the depth and tactical discipline needed to close out tight matches away from home — the qualities that separated the teams over the first two Tests.

The Silver Ferns’ Campaign

For New Zealand, the series was a story of fine margins. The Ferns pushed England to the final possession in Auckland and stayed within reach in Porirua, but lapses in concentration and missed opportunities at critical moments were costly in the two defeats. The response in Invercargill was emphatic, and the campaign confirmed that the gap between the sides was small. It also underlined how central Grace Nweke had become to the New Zealand attack, and gave coach Noeline Taurua clear areas — game management and error reduction under pressure — to work on.

Key Players

Olivia Tchine (England)

England’s goal shoot was the leading scorer of the series, converting at a high percentage in every Test and giving the Roses a reliable focal point in attack.

Helen Housby (England)

A vastly experienced goal attack, Helen Housby provided a steadying presence and a secondary scoring threat that helped England manage the closing stages of tight matches.

Grace Nweke (New Zealand)

New Zealand’s target shooter was the Silver Ferns’ leading scorer in all three Tests, including her 48-from-52 return in the Invercargill victory, and a constant challenge for England’s defenders.

Ameliaranne Ekenasio (New Zealand)

The Silver Ferns’ captain brought leadership and composure to the attacking end and helped orchestrate New Zealand’s play in high-pressure passages.

What the Series Means

England’s 2–1 win on New Zealand soil was a notable result, reclaiming the Taini Jamison Trophy and building confidence ahead of future international competition, which is governed by World Netball. For the Silver Ferns, the narrow defeats were a reminder of how small the margins are at the top level, while the Invercargill win showed their capacity to bounce back. Both nations remain among the world’s best, and results like these feed directly into rivalries such as the Constellation Cup and the ongoing race for supremacy in the global game.

Responsible Gambling

This article references betting markets only to describe the wider interest around the series; it is information, not advice or encouragement to bet. Sports betting is for adults aged 18 and over and always carries the risk of losing money — no statistic, tip or preview can guarantee an outcome. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know in New Zealand, free and confidential support is available from the Gambling Helpline New Zealand on 0800 654 655.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who won the 2024 Taini Jamison Trophy series?

England’s Vitality Roses won the series 2–1, taking the first two Tests to secure the Taini Jamison Trophy before New Zealand won the third and final Test.

What were the scores in the New Zealand v England Tests?

England won the first Test 59–58 in Auckland and the second 59–55 in Porirua. New Zealand won the third Test 61–56 in Invercargill.

Who was the top scorer in the series?

England’s goal shoot Olivia “Liv” Tchine was the leading scorer overall, while Grace Nweke was New Zealand’s top shooter in every Test.

Who coached the two teams?

New Zealand were coached by Noeline Taurua and captained by Ameliaranne Ekenasio. England were coached by Jess Thirlby and captained by Fran Williams.

What is the Taini Jamison Trophy?

It is the trophy contested when England tours New Zealand for a bilateral netball series, named after the former New Zealand player and coach Taini Jamison.