Erin Delahunty's report
Report: Australia 51-52 New Zealand
New Zealand collect the trophy as the ticker tape flies. Time for me to sign off, but keep your eyes peeled for Erin’s report shortly – here’s a PA take for the time being. Thanks for joining me, and congratulations New Zealand.
New Zealand held off an Australian fightback to win their first Netball World Cup since 2003 with a dramatic 52-51 triumph in Liverpool.
The Silver Ferns’ success completed a recent revival after they had failed to medal for the first time at last year’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
Leading by six points midway through the penultimate quarter, the underdogs saw their lead begin to dwindle and a pair of late interceptions from Casey Kopua proved crucial in protecting their lead.
Their win, which was greeted by a court invasion from substitutes and team staff, brought immediate retribution for the single-goal defeat they had suffered to the same team in the group stages on Thursday.
And it gave them their first world title since their win over the Australians in Kingston, Jamaica in 2003 - since when their opponents had turned the tables with three consecutive crowns.
New Zealand coach Noeline Taurua said: “Our country and our clubs all had to be on board to pull the best out and strengthen our competition and it was case of method to madness.
“It’s been a long process and we’ve come through different stages and I’m so happy that it’s come to this end and we’ve been able to lift the cup up.”
Despite their traditional dominance, Australia had headed into the tournament with questions to answer after the hurt of losing a home Commonwealth Games final to England last year.
Those questions increased after a baffling semi-final selection decision by coach Lisa Alexander, who benched her star players and watched South Africa come within two goals of pulling off a momentous shock.
Big names including the captain Caitlin Bassett were back for the final but New Zealand matched them through an even opening quarter then edged in front by the half-time interval.
Maria Folau led the scoring charts for the Silver Ferns but it was the uncanny accuracy of team-mate Ameliaranne Ekensasio that began to make the difference as her team started to turn on the style.
Kopua’s brilliance stifled the inevitable Australian comeback and the Silver Ferns were able to hold onto the ball and count down the final seconds amid a fittingly raucous atmosphere in Liverpool.
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There are tears from the Australians as they finally get their silver medals. That’s a long time to stand and wait for a medal you don’t really want. Emotions are running high among the Silver Ferns too, as they collect gold medals that seemed a world away on the Gold Coast last year.
While we wait, here’s Emma John’s report from England’s bronze medal win, and Tracey Neville’s farewell:
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We’ve basically had the entire closing ceremony done before the medals and trophies are done. Liverpool’s mayor, Joe Anderson, has just passed the baton to Cape Town, who will host in 2023.
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“What an amazing tournament this has been,” says Molly Rhone, president of the International Netball Federation. “Congratulations especially to our winners, the Silver Ferns. What a thrilling final that was.”
The New Zealand, Australia and England squads are all out for the trophy and medal presentation, lining up behind a podium that runs the length of the court.
“Congratulations Silver Ferns,” writes Pearl Matahiki. “Meinga meinga –Aotearoa is very proud.”
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Here’s Clare Balding to kick off the trophy presentation. She dishes out praise for New Zealand, Australia “for setting the bar so high”, England for bouncing back today, and South Africa for heading a record four African teams in the top eight.
There’s a closing ceremony underway inside the arena, with both teams off the court and the trophy still sitting there, unclaimed. I’m sure New Zealand will be back out to get it soon enough.
A few stats from the final, then. New Zealand had 61 shots to Australia’s 57; the Diamonds had a better shot accuracy overall, while Maria Folau was the top scorer with 28.
Both teams intercepted five times, while Australia conceded more turnovers (19-15). Perhaps the most telling statistic is penalties – Australia with 82, NZ with 49.
New Zealand have a population of less than five million. They’ve won World Cups in rugby union, rugby league, netball – and so nearly cricket, too. Not forgetting a mighty haul of sailing silverware. Are they, as a nation, the biggest sporting overachievers on the planet?
The trophy presentation is coming up. What a terrific performance that was from New Zealand – they knew it might be their last shot and used every last drop of experience to hold off Australia’s late charge. Not forgetting that they had a marathon battle against the hosts barely 24 hours ago. That trophy has been won the hard way.
A reminder that at last year’s Commonwealth Games, New Zealand didn’t even claim a medal. They lost two group games, were thrashed in the semi final by Australia – and lost the bronze medal game to Jamaica. In the final, meanwhile, Australia lost to England by a score of 52-51.
Lisa Alexander, the Australia coach, is putting on a brave face after that defeat, talking of fine margins. They lost by one goal, but Alexander’s decision to shuffle the team for the semi-final, and her half-time changes, will come under scrutiny. Australia lost their lead at the end of the first quarter and never got it back.
Casey Kopua, playing her last NZ game after coming back from retirement, is on the verge of tears. “It feels so good – I can’t really find the words. Go the Fossils!”
Here’s Noeline Taurua, the winning coach: “I’m quite speechless, I don’t know what to say. Our fossils stood up for us today! For us to come out and win this, it’s huge for our netball community, and for New Zealand.”
Her contract runs out tomorrow; safe to say there’ll be an extension in the post.
Wow. What a performance. What an upset! No World Cup heartache for New Zealand this Sunday.
NEW ZEALAND WIN THE WORLD CUP!
New Zealand keep the ball under enormous pressure, Laura Langman unflappable on the ball – and Australia just cannot force a turnover. The hooter sounds, and New Zealand have done it!!!
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Q4 00:30 Aus 51-52 NZ Tippett with another goal – she’s yet to miss a shot – and it’s down to one! Ekenasio restores the two-goal lead, but Australia rally, and it all comes down to this...
Q4 01:59 Aus 49-51 NZ Klau comes up with a big steal of her own, and Tippett cuts the gap! Two points, two minutes to go...
Q4 02:20 Aus 48-51 NZ Ekanasio brings up the fifty, keeping her percentage above 90 – and then Katrina Rore with a huge steal! NZ break, Ekanasio scores another, and New Zealand have a three-point lead!
Q4 03:45 Aus 48-49 NZ Australia keep pressing, chasing, but New Zealand are being so patient in attack, and Folau restores the two-goal cushion. Bassett shows great footwork and cuts it back to one. This is breathless stuff.
Q4 05:00 Aus 47-48 NZ Gina Crampton finds Folau with a terrific reverse pass, and the goal shooter can’t miss. Kopua, playing her last international match before retirement, nearly pulls off a vital interception, but NZ keep their noses in front...
Q4 06:48 Aus 46-47 NZ The pressure is cranking up like a vice here, and Folau leaves one short. Bassett, a beacon of reliability, weighs in with two big goals – and the gap is down to one.
Q4 08:29 Aus 43-46 NZ Ekenasio with a rare miss – but she moves like lightning to grab the rebound before it goes out of bounds. On the bench, Taurua is absolutely loving that – and at the other end, Kopua makes a big interception! Ekenasio adds another from range – how crucial could that passage of play be?
Q4 10:06 Aus 43-44 NZ Australia just keep chipping away – they haven’t led since the first quarter, but it’s the end result that matters. The Diamonds are disrupting NZ’s attacking flow, but Ekenasio does net a penalty to keep them in the lead.
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Q4 11:56 Aus 41-42 NZ No changes for New Zealand. Have they got the legs? Australia have started fast here, but Folau gets the Silver Ferns on the board. Kopua attacks Tippett at the other end, but the ball rebounds for Bassett. The gap’s down to one...
Q4 13:38 Aus 39-41 NZ An error from New Zealand – Folau’s overthrow slipping beyond Langman. Tippett steps in under the post and the gap is down to two!
Brace yourselves. There’s a World Cup to be won. Lisa Alexander’s Australia, or Noeline Taurua’s New Zealand? Let’s find out.
Ian Swan isn’t happy: “Eugh. CBass off her goals, Klau and Tippett making no difference, and the umpires picking up every infringement. Momentum with the Diamonds, but if the Ferns find some fresh legs, it’s theirs to lose.”
Three-quarter-time! Aus 37-41 NZ
Is this the start of a comeback? Bassett - the only Australian who played in the 2015 final – picks up a couple of quick points. Folau, and then Bassett, are penalised when poised to score – and Australia shuttle the ball down the court, only for Bassett to delay and run out of time. The nerves are kicking in! 15 minutes to play...
Q3 02:15 Aus 35-41 NZ Klau gets another caution, this time for persistent contact. Tippett, meanwhile, has grown into the game and combines well with Bassett. Crompton with an absolute Hollywood ball over the top to Folau, and April Brandley replaces Price in wing defence.
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Q3 04:06 Aus 33-39 NZ Folau has been able to drift wide, collect and convert far too often in this quarter. Tippett and Bassett keep the Diamonds in range, but at the other end, NZ just aren’t missing. Ekenasio keeps the gap at six, and is 94% accurate so far.
Q3 06:22 Aus 30-36 NZ New Zealand look much more fluid in attack, their defence constantly denying Australia space. A better gameplan, or the effect of the Diamonds’ changes in the semi-final?
Q3 07:28 Aus 28-35 NZ Tippett is cautioned for persistent contact – and now Folau intercepts. Ekenasio, staying cold as ice amid the tension, finishes from the edge of the circle. Tippett gets on the score sheet, but Folau is on target again, and the lead is seven.
Q3 10:00 Aus 26-32 NZ Ekenasio extends the lead to five, before Bassett tries to play in Tippett. She stumbles and hits the post. At the other end, Klau is cautioned for dissent. A rough start for Australia’s newcomers, and Folau stretches the lead to six!
Q3 11:53 Aus 26-30 NZ Gretel Tippett. What a name. Anyway, the new GA overthrows on her first foray forward, but does find Bassett shortly after. Klau, who featured in the semi-final, is unable to clutch the rebound from Folau’s miss, and the ruthless Ekenasio pounces.
We're back!
Gretel Tippett replaces Steph Wood in goal attack, while Sarah Klau replaces Bruce as goal keeper.
The second half is imminent. New Zealand good value for that lead, dug out right at the end of the second quarter – but can they maintain this intensity?
@niallmcveigh Looking forward to seeing how both coaches respond to the pressure in this game. Keeping an eye on whether they run out the game with their starting 7 or have the confidence to make changes at critical moments.
— Megan Maurice (@meganmaurice) July 21, 2019
“NZ scoring seemingly at ease, whilst Australia are making hard work of everything - including defence. Diamonds in trouble unless they take corrective action,” reckons Ian Swan.
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Half time! Australia 25-28 New Zealand
Liz Watson almost makes a crucial interception on Folau, but New Zealand score and then turn it over themselves. Ekenasio with a lovely arcing effort, followed up by Folau – and the Silver Ferns carve out a three-goal lead!
Q2 02:00 Aus 24-24 NZ ...but Australia step up the pace to force an interception! The scoring has crept up from the first quarter, and Folau is finding her range – another inch-perfect effort, before Bassett counters from under the post.
Q2 04:30 Aus 20-21 NZ Watson and goal-defence Casey Kopua are penalised for nudging Bassett, prompting boos from the Kiwis in the crowd. The high pressure from both teams is leaving gaps, and Bassett is picked out with a precise long pass from Jamie-Lee Price. Bassett then misses not once, but twice from close range...
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Q2 07:35 Aus 18-18 NZ A rare miss from Bassett after good work from Wood, but Australia snatch the rebound and she doesn’t miss twice. Folau is left all alone and picked out by a long pass, but Bassett levels up once more.
Q2 10:10 Aus 15-15 NZ There are more spaces opening up after that full-throttle first quarter. Bassett and Ekenasio both on the scoresheet twice in quick succession, still nothing to split the teams.
Q2 12:08 Aus 12-12 NZ The Silver Ferns take the lead after a series of defensive fouls eventually allow Ekenasio. Steph Wood finishes from the edge of the circle to level up, before Folau’s long-range shot from wide left rattles in. Bassett levels – Australia’s front two yet to miss a shot.
“The Kiwis’ intercept game is forcing Australia to play short. Scores square at quarter-time seems entirely fair,” says Ian Swan. Agreed – they’ve been working relentlessly to try and force turnovers.
Quarter-time!
Aus 10-10 NZ Bruce blocks Folau’s latest effort but NZ keep the pressure on, with NZ captain Laura Langman triggering a fluid attack and finding Folau in acres. No mistake this time, and Ekenasio levels moments later. Australia look to break but Watson tips away from Bassett, and it’s level at quarter time!
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Q1 02:11 Aus 10-8 NZ New Zealand get to within a point, but an attacking move breaks down. Australia break and Bassett gets a telescopic arm to a pass, before doing the necessary.
Q1 04:21 Aus 9-7 NZ New Zealand are being kept under pressure, but have frustrated Bassett on a couple of occasions to keep them in range – and Ekenasio nets with a fine effort from distance.
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Q1 06:57 Aus 8-4 NZ This game has started at a blistering pace, both teams fighting to put pressure on the ball carrier. A clever looped pass from Steph Wood finds Bassett, before Folau lets a pass slip through her fingers. Bassett strikes again from under the post, but is denied on the next attack by the tenacious Jane Watson.
Q1 09:33 Aus 6-3 NZ Bassett finishes off a flowing Australia move, and the Diamonds pounce on a defensive error to move three goals up...
Q1 12:00 Aus 3-3 NZ Bassett gets the first score before Maria Folau (yes, Israel’s wife) levels after a fine take. At the other end, Jane Watson intercepts to deny Bassett, but Steph Wood converts the rebound. Folau then misses a couple of chances, before Ekenasio levels it up.
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Let's do this!
The Liverpool crowd save their biggest cheers for the Silver Ferns as the teams are announced. Kiwi expats, or locals rooting against Australia?
Anthems time! If the coin-toss is anything to go by, we’re in for a close game...
Is that a sign? At the coin toss for @AussieDiamonds v @SilverFernsNZ the coin landed ... on it's side: without a result. #NWC2019
— Erin Delahunty (@della79) July 21, 2019
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England have won the bronze medal
Tracey Neville bows out with a third-place finish, after England powered to a 58-42 win over South Africa in the bronze medal match. It’s not what they really wanted on home soil, but a medal’s a medal.
Team news
In case the fancy graphic is a bit hard to read...
Australia: GK Bruce, GD Weston, WD Price, C Watson, WA Browne, GA Wood, GS Bassett (c).
Subs: Brandley, Hadley, Klau, Thwaites, Tippett.
New Zealand: GK Watson, GD Kopua, WD Rore, C Langman (c), WA Crampton, GA Ekanasio, GS Folau.
Subs: Burger, Karaka, Mes, Saunders, Selby-Rickit.
The teams are in!
🇦🇺@AussieDiamonds v 🇳🇿@SilverFernsNZ
— Netball World Cup (@NetballWorldCup) July 21, 2019
The final battle has arrived. Who will come out on top?
⬇️ are the final starting 7⃣#ThisIsNetball pic.twitter.com/52jCUKfSKE
Preamble
The three sweetest words in the English language: World Cup final. And this has all the ingredients to be a classic of the genre, with two old foes taking very different paths to the grand finale.
This is the eighth Netball World Cup to use a knockout format, and the seventh final to feature Australia and New Zealand. Australia have won five of those six prior meetings, and have beaten their Antipodean arch-rivals in the last three finals.
The Diamonds will start as clear favourites, but were pushed all the way by the Silver Ferns in their group match, before winning 50-49. Lisa Alexander’s side then almost came a cropper in their semi-final with South Africa after rotating their squad.
New Zealand will be much less fresh, but the adrenaline should still be surging from their dramatic win over the hosts, England, on Saturday. In a World Cup peppered with close finishes, don’t bet against another today.
