Netball

After scoring a comfortable 54-43 win over South Africa yesterday, the Proteas challenged the Ferns all the way.

The Ferns led by just one goal against the fifth world ranked side after the first quarter.

Sulu Fitzpatrick then replaced Kelly Jury at goal keep, in an attempt to tighten up the defensive end.

The Ferns led 28-25 at half time.

A plucky South Africa wouldn't go away - equalising with New Zealand midway through the third quarter.

They then took a three goal lead, while the New Zealand side started to look a bit shellshocked.

Starting with its first Oceania Foundation Coach workshop in May, the netGO programme was developed to help deliver the Pacific Sporting Partnership (PSP) which is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

PSP has been running for three years in Fiji, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Samoa, with Vanuatu now also joining the group.

NetGO Vanuatu country coordinator Virginia Taravaki claimed she was excited about bringing the programme to the nation.

The initiative, which is funded by New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will focus on development programs, equipment and resources, health and well-being, and leadership.

Vanuatu government ministries, the National Sports Commission, and the Vanuatu Olympic committee will be working together to support the initiative.

Netball New Zealand's programme co-ordinator of the Pacific Sporting Partnerships, Ivan Harre, said he was excited about the prospects.

The All Blacks arrived back from Argentina in time to see the end of the netball final against Australia.

Hansen says they were all genuinely excited and proud of what the Ferns achieved and in particular the journey coach Noeline Taurua has taken.

Cook Islands booked a place in the final by defeating Papua New Guinea 58-31 at the Multisport Centre, Faleata, urged on by their boisterous fans.

“This is great for Cook Island netball. Last time we were in a gold medal match was 1991. We have a huge support base, both here and at home,” said coach Suzanne Evans.

Both teams entered the game undefeated from pool matches. Cook Islands took the lead and kept PNG goaled for the first four minutes.

The unassuming Jamaicans did well to find early momentum against the Silver Ferns in the first half with their seasoned attack end - including the might of former Southern Steel shooter Jhanielle Fowler-Reid.

A majority of the New Zealand side had not played Jamaica before last night, having last played them in 2016, and at the end of the first quarter it showed with the score deadlocked at 13 all.

The second stanza saw no player changes at both ends and the Sunshine Girls took advantage by pulling out to a six goal lead.

 The Baby Black Pearls prevailed 42-37 and Coach John Glassie said, with five countries vying for three spots in Botswana next year, it sets them up well for the rest of the tournament.

"They're older and a little bit more mature so we knew we were going in for a tough game. If we win two out of the next three games that potentially puts us in the top two, which is where we want to finish - that automatic qualifier," he said.

The two sides were level pegging throughout the match with the world number one Australians only pulling away in the last couple of minutes.

Australia led 17-14 at quarter-time, it was level at 30-all at half time and 44-43 to Australia at three quarter time.

Australia shot 88 percent, while Bailey Mes and Ameliaranne Ekenasio shot only 77 percent for New Zealand.

Ekenasio shot 32 goals and Mes 23.

The Ferns had more intercepts and turnovers but were unable to turn that into an advantage on the score board.

RNZ reports a sloppy first quarter by the home side saw the Proteas take a surprise 16-14 lead and forced Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby make two changes to her starting lineup.

New Zealand turned in a much improved second quarter to finally take the lead and go to the halftime break 32-27 in front.

South Africa tried to cling to the Silver Ferns who stepped up the pace in the third quarter to extend their lead to 46-38.

The fourth quarter was dominated by New Zealand who went on to run away with the match by 19 goals, 65-46.

Here is a summary of the line-up of dates and events. Interested new clubs are welcomed to register in 2016. The International Netball Federation (INF) has announced the new international netball rule changes which come into effect on January 1, and are hereby noted here as well.