England beaten 62-55 by New Zealand and lose series

New Zealand are one place above England in the world rankings in second

England missed out on a first series win against New Zealand after losing 62-55 in the third and final Test.

The Red Roses had levelled the series at 1-1 with their second win over the Silver Ferns in as many weeks, having also beaten them in the Quad Series.

England led 30-26 at half-time in Hamilton but the hosts took a narrow advantage into the final quarter and moved clear in the last three minutes.

"We made a few errors and they ran away with it," said captain Ama Agbeze.

England had only beaten New Zealand four times in 88 meetings prior to this summer's tournaments.

• Relive England's defeat by New Zealand

Tracey Neville's side pulled off a shock 49-45 win in their first match in the Quad Series - which also featured Australia and South Africa - at the end of August.

A week later they lost the first match in the three-Test series against New Zealand 62-55.

The visitors made sure the contest went to a decider with a 49-46 win on Sunday, but they were unable to get the victory they needed to win the series.

"To be here, contesting the last game is a great achievement. Hopefully we'll move forward from here," Agbeze told Sky Sports.

Goal defence Katrina Grant, on her 100th cap for New Zealand, said: "This is the best England side I've ever played against.

"We pulled through - the girls did an amazing job. We've learnt a lot from the losses in the last month."