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England beat New Zealand to take decisive 2-0 lead

England's Liv Tchine pictured in possession during the Roses' 59-55 win against New Zealand
England's Liv Tchine starred with 41 goals and a shot accuracy of 89% on Wednesday [Getty Images]

England came from behind to beat New Zealand 59-55 in the second Test and clinch their three-game series with a match to spare.

The Roses trailed the hosts 31-27 early in the third quarter on Wednesday but fought back before surviving late pressure to take a decisive 2-0 lead in the series.

Liv Tchine was named the Player of the Match in Porirua, just north of the New Zealand capital Wellington, after she scored 41 goals with a shot accuracy of 89%.

It is the second time England have won the Taini Jamison Trophy, an annual series hosted by Netball New Zealand.

The Roses had not previously won a Test series in New Zealand within the first two games.

"I couldn’t be more proud of the way the girls found a way to get back in that game," said Roses head coach Jess Thirlby.

"To have done it with this team is quite an incredible achievement really. We've brought more experienced sides here previously and not been able to find a way. It means a lot."

The Roses - who came into the series on the back of a 2-1 defeat by Australia - edged out the Silver Ferns 59-58 in a thrilling opening match in Auckland on Sunday.

The two sides will meet in the final game of the series on Sunday, 6 October in Invercargill.