Diamonds retain Quad Series netball title

Australia have retained the netball Quad Series after a hard-fought 47-46 victory over England at Wembley to finish the tournament undefeated.

The Diamonds went into Sunday's match in London confident after convincing wins against New Zealand and South Africa, while the home side was thrashed by the Silver Ferns in Liverpool on Thursday.

But Australia was pushed all the way England, who took a two-goal lead into the final break before the world No.1 side prevailed.

Diamonds captain Sharni Layton, who took a late intercept to help win the match, said the visitors weren't allowed to play their best by a fired-up England side.

"We definitely didn't put our most consistent performance out there, but that was a credit to them putting us under a lot of pressure," Layton said.

"England had that fight tonight of not wanting to be beaten again like they were against New Zealand.

"We knew that they were going to come out fighting."

Australia struggled to contained England's Helen Housby, who top scored with 26 goals.

Meanwhile, the visitors' attack stuttered, with star Caitlin Thwaites shooting at 76 per cent before being replaced at goal shooter by Susan Pettitt late in the third term with the match tied at 32-all.

Pettitt scored 23 goals at 85 per cent to help take back momentum in the final term, with Australia taking a four-goal lead before England rallied for a thrilling finish.

It was an improved showing from the hosts after they were pummelled by New Zealand by 24 goals.

"I'm so proud of them. I said to them they had to back each other on court," England coach Tracey Neville told the BBC.

"There were some of the critical moments where we could have got ahead but we have to look at positives."

Also on Sunday, New Zealand easily accounted for South Africa 70-39 in London to leave the Proteas winless.

Australia's players turn their attention to the domestic Super Netball competition, which begins on February 18.

The Diamonds won the inaugural staging of the Quad Series in Australia in September.