England failed in their bid to overthrow world champions New Zealand as they lost 25-17 in the final of the Women's Rugby World Cup on Sunday.

The side, which featured Richmond players Jenny Sutton and Jenny Lyne in the second row and Twickenham resident, prop Vanessa Gray, battled hard to beat the two time World Champions but failed to produce the finishing touch.

The match, in Edmonton, Canada, was a re-run of the 2002 tournament finale which ended 19-9 in the Black Ferns favour, this time England believed their were in a position to record their first win over New Zealand since 2001, but it wasn't to be.

England started well, taking first blood with a Karen Andrews penalty, and held the Black Ferns on the back foot for 30 minutes.

But they paid the price for not converting their chances when they conceded a penalty and a try just before the break.

Despite conceding a second score immediately after the break England continued to battle and their constant pressure up front - with Sutton, Lyne and Gray working hard - resulted in penalty try to bring the team back into the game.

With 72 minutes played New Zealand stretched their lead with a third try but England closed the gap to three points when Helen Clayton touched down and Shelley Rae converted but the Black Ferns sealed the victory with their fourth try in injury time.

Sutton, who confirmed after the game that she has retired from rugby, said: "I am very disappointed, gutted in fact. We gave it our all but we could not finish it."