There were mixed fortunes and a big milestone for Cumbrian netball star Helen Housby at the start of England's Nations Cup campaign.

Housby made her 100th appearance for the Vitality Roses in their clash with old rivals Australia.

England, though, went down to a narrow 59-61 defeat at the Ovo Arena Wembley.

It left Housby and her team-mates on one win and one loss from their first two games after the Cumbrian inspired the Roses to victory over Uganda.

In that encounter on Saturday, Housby was named player of the match as England earned a 62-56 win.

The 29-year-old's nerveless finishing with 83 per cent success got Jess Thirlby's side off to the perfect start in the tournament.

News and Star: Housby, left, prepares to walk through a guard of honour by Australia and England playersHousby, left, prepares to walk through a guard of honour by Australia and England players (Image: PA)

A day later, Housby was given a guard of honour by players on both sides as she prepared to reach her century of England appearances.

The Cumbrian, who plays her club netball for Australian side New South Wales Swifts and was recently awarded the MBE, was described as a "legend" by England Netball.

News and Star: Housby and England defeated Uganda but were pipped by AustraliaHousby and England defeated Uganda but were pipped by Australia (Image: PA)

But Australia got the better of England as they finished strongly to edge the match.

England must now beat New Zealand in Leeds next Saturday to reach the final, which is held the following day.