Housby scores in final seconds as England Roses clinch draw vs Australia

Helen Housby celebrates her match-saving goal against Australia

England Vitality Roses clinched a thrilling 48-48 draw against the Australian Diamonds in the penultimate match of the Netball Quad Series.

After trailing by six going into the last quarter, and being three down with three minutes to play, Jess Thirlby’s outfit showed exceptional resilience and composure not to panic.

Instead, they calmly converted a footwork call through to goal in the final seconds, with Helen Housby securing the match-saving shot from distance.

The two teams will now meet again on Wednesday evening in the final of the Netball Quad Series, with one taking away the title.

Helen Housby shoots to draw England Roses level in the final stages against Australia

“I think that it sets up tomorrow perfectly,” Thirlby said to Sky Sports directly after the full-time whistle. “What was really pleasing was to be able to get people out there in certain combinations, whilst still with the intent to try and win.

“In the first half we were a bit sloppy and got schooled too many times in patches, but we never let them pull too far ahead. This group, they’re refusing to lose at the moment, which is a great psychological edge.”

More to follow…

Watch every match of the Netball Quad Series live on Sky Sports and streamed on the Sky Sports YouTube channel. England’s meeting Australia is live from 7.15pm on Sky Sports Arena; New Zealand versus South Africa will be live from 5.15pm.