England have beaten New Zealand 20-14 in the third and final rugby league Test at Wigan, to claim the series 2-1.
England captain Sean O'Loughlin scored a late try in the wet Wigan stadium, after forward Elliot Whitehead scored twice to the visitors' own three tries.
England's Sean O'Loughlin celebrates a try with team-mates in the Hull Test Photo: Photosport
O'Loughlin powered over eight minutes from time to put England 20-6 ahead against the world's top-ranked side, but the Kiwis fought back in the closing minutes, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Jordan Kahu grabbing tries to set up a tense finale.
However England hung on to seal their first series win over either World Cup winners Australia or No.1-ranked New Zealand since 2007.
Kiwis fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is comforted by an England player Photo: Photosport
England led 8-6 at half-time, winger Jason Nightingale crossing for the Kiwis after Whitehead had helped the hosts into an early 8-0 lead.
Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney said afterwards he wished his team had played better throughout the whole game.
"More disappointed in that I didn't think we played our best game today," Kearney said.
"Today's contest was (a) bit like the whole tournament, it's been a real see-saw affair but I just didn't think we played our best game today."
England won the first Test 26-12 and New Zealand took the second 9-2 to level the series.
Congratulations to @England_RL on their Baskerville Trophy victory, winning the 3rd Test at Wigan 20-14. Great finish to a great series
— NZ Rugby League (@NZRL_Kiwis) November 14, 2015
- Reuters
