Helen Housby played a key role in the England Roses' 49-45 win over New Zealand Silver Ferns this morning.

In their second Quad Series match, Cumbrian Housby scored more than half of the England Roses' points as they overcame the world no.2s on their home soil in Auckland.

A stellar final 15 minutes from the Roses secured only their fifth ever win over the Silver Ferns in 88 matches.

Housby, from Drumleaning, was thrilled with the win and said on her Instagram account: "Amazing feeling to take the win 49-45 against the Silver Ferns - only the fifth time in England's history [out of 88 attempts].

"So proud to pull on the red dress with these girls and represent our country. Thanks for all the love and support near and far."

England coach Tracey Neville opted to start with the seven players who were on court in the England Roses’ spirited second-half fightback against the Australian Diamonds during their 54-50 defeat.

The Roses got off to a strong start and showed good movement on court. Serena Guthrie picked out Kadeen Corbin who reached Housby with a looped pass and she opened the scoring.

Corbin and Carlisle-born Housby continued to combine well in the circle but were unlucky to see several efforts fail to drop in and didn’t often get a second bite of the cherry with Katrina Grant strong on the rebound.

The Silver Ferns were criticised for not getting enough ball in their Quad Series opener on Saturday but were much improved in this area against the Roses.

Grant, who made three intercepts throughout the game, plucked the ball effortlessly out of the air to set the Silver Ferns on their way as their defensive pressure was rewarded.

The hosts had established a four-goal lead by the end of the first quarter but heads didn’t drop in the Roses team.

Housby hit her stride in quarter two and three unanswered goals from her brought the Roses back to within one.

The volume inside The Trusts Arena went up a notch as the Silver Ferns pulled away to lead 26-23 at half-time.

With seconds left on the clock in quarter three and things all square at 36-36, Bailey Mes scored from under the post to hand the Silver Ferns a slender one-goal lead going into the final 15.

The Silver Ferns flew out the traps and built up a three-goal gap at 40-37 but the resilient Roses didn’t falter and brought it back to 42-42 midway through the quarter.

As the clock ticked down and the tension mounted, the nerves were starting to show with unforced errors from both sides.

But the Roses kept their cool and there was no looking back when a Geva Mentor tip disrupted the Silver Ferns’ attack and the ball was transitioned through court to Housby, who scored with aplomb.

Momentum was with Neville’s side in the final few minutes as Corbin capped a fantastic team effort with three unanswered goals.

England will end their competition against South Africa Spar Proteas on Sunday.