Fanatical Fern fever hit Dunedin yesterday and an electric atmosphere could be felt in the crowd watching the Silver Ferns take on England.
Bev Harvey travelled from Invercargill for the match at the Lion Foundation Arena and was thrilled to see the Silver Ferns in action.
"They are going so well. They are electric," she said.
However, the deafening roar of bang-sticks and cheering was soon subdued as the English team stepped up its game and beat New Zealand 40-38.
The crowd felt the players' pain with gasps and words of encouragement as the teams faced off in a physical, high-paced clash.
It had been 10 years between visits to Dunedin for the Silver Ferns and a 2800-strong crowd turned out to watch the second match of an international series.
As the players went through their pre-match paces, the crowd was taken through theirs by energetic singing troupe, Fever.
Kate Mulvihill and Paige Luff, of Alexandra, were pleased to see international netball return to Dunedin and dressed up for the occasion.
"We dressed up because we are great supporters," Miss Luff said.
