FORMER Saints skipper James Graham roared with delight at the final hooter after playing a big part in helping England clinch the decisive third test victory at Wigan.

Graham offered a physical presence, skill and some real leadership in the middle of the park as England beat New Zealand in another close encounter, winning 20-14 to take their first series since 2007.

But they had to hang on at the end after the enterprising Kiwis fought back from 20-6 down to score twice in the last six minutes.

England looked sharper and offered a lot more than last week's woeful offering at the Olympic Stadium.

They took an early lead with a Gareth Widdop penalty and then former Saint Matty Smith threaded the perfect bobbling grubbed for Elliot Whitehead to touch down.

The Kiwis always posed a threat and it took a fair bit of desperation from the Wall of White to keep the home try line intact.

But four minutes from half time there was nothing they could do to stop the brilliance of Jason Nightingale.

The Kiwi wing flew over the tackle of Zak Hardaker for a converted try which cut the England lead to two points at the interval.

England were not flashy, but they showed much more enterprise than the last test with James Roby again playing the middle 40 off the bench. He got clobbered with a high one again in one of his first touches but kept going.

They also had a great worker on the wing in Jermaine McGillvary who showed he belongs at this level, even if he did not get any chances to run with the ball in attacking plays.

England remained resolute as the game turned into a test of nerve, and the Kiwis blinked first.

A fine ball from Graham to Smith saw Whitehead cross for his second.

Widdop nailed the extras to give England a two score lead.

And when Sean O'Loughlin chose route one to the try line England had one hand on the Baskerville Shield.

But the Kiwis are a champion side and continued to move the ball.

And they scored a try from an all too rare piece of Martynesque skill with a sublime inside pass from Nightingale putting Roger Tuivasa-Sheck over.

Again, the Kiwis came back for more with Peta Hiku sliding over two minutes from time.

But England held on to claim the series.