Australia went down 52-49 in a tough final match to England.

It was the first time the two had met on English soil since the Roses took home a historic gold at the Commonwealth Games in April 2018. 

The Roses needed to pull off a five goal win for the trophy to remain on home soil, anything less would mean it was coming back to the land down under.

A win for the Diamonds was made more difficult after starting goalkeeper Courtney Bruce was ruled out of the match with a concussion and joined captain Caitlin Bassett and vice-captain Gabi Simpson on the sidelines.

It was a lightning start from both sides with Bruce's replacement, Emily Mannix, nabbing two interceptions and shutting out multiple English advances as the Diamonds took a five goal lead into the first break.

However, Roses substitute Rachel Dunn had a huge second quarter scoring 13 goals to stormed ahead while Australia were forced into making some uncharacteristic mistakes.

Diamonds head coach Lisa Alexander made a slew of changes at half time, replacing shooter Caitlin Thwaites with Steph Wood, Kate Moloney for Kelsey Browne and Jo Weston for April Brandley.

The Roses continued to push the Diamonds, flying out to a six-goal lead early in the third quarter, but some strong shooting and athletic defending by Wood and Brandley, Australia were able to stay in touch, dragging it back to a four goal deficit at the end of the third.

It came down to the final quarter and the intensity never let up from either side with the trophy well and truly on the line. 

The Diamonds fought back and went ahead by two goals with five minutes remaining but the Roses were too strong, taking the game by three goals.