Sport

Silver Ferns beat England after Michaela Sokolich-Beatson injury blow

09:39 am on 20 January 2020

The Silver Ferns have been impressive in beating England 64-48 with all 11 players taking the court at the Nations Cup in Birmingham.

Michaela Sokolich-Beatson made her Silver Ferns debut. Photo: Photosport

That's despite New Zealand suffering a massive blow with defender Michaela Sokolich-Beatson ruled out of series after rupturing her Achilles tendon during training.

New Zealand started strongly, leading 15-11 after the first quarter.

In what looked like pre-ordained changes Te Paea Selby-Rickit was brought on at goal shoot for Maia Wilson and Whitney Souness at WA for the second quarter.

The Ferns held on to a three goal lead at the main break.

Wilson returned to the court for the third quarter, while Bailey Mes came on for new captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio at goal attack.

New Zealand pulled further ahead, leading 48-38 heading into the final quarter which allowed coach Dame Noeline Taurua to make wholesale changes - with Kimiora Poi introduced at centre.

The Silver Ferns shot at 92 percent overall.

Maia Wilson finished with 27/29 after two quarters.

New Zealand are missing Casey Kopua, Maria Folau after their retirements, while stalwarts Laura Langman and Katrina Rore are having rests.

But England too are a very different side to the one at the World Cup, with stars Geva Mentor, Serena Guthrie, Helen Housby, and Jo Harten all taking a break.

Sokolich-Beatson suffered the injury during a training match in Nottingham, and is now travelling home to New Zealand to begin her recovery.

No replacement player will be brought in as cover for the series.

"With the advice of our medical staff it is important that we get Michaela home as soon as possible. Our team are all hugely disappointed for Michaela, as well as her ANZ Premiership side the Northern Mystics," Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua said.

It's a cruel blow for Sokolich-Beatson, who flew over to England last year as injury cover for Katrina Rore, but wasn't needed for the Netball World Cup.

The exciting defender didn't get any court time during the Constellation Cup series in October, with the Silver Ferns chasing an elusive Cup title.

The injury is likely to rule her out of the Northern Mystics domestic season.

Earlier, the Jamaican Sunshine Girls beat South Africa 59-54.

The Silver Ferns next meet Jamaica on Thursday morning.