Netball: NZ in U21 final

New Zealand's under-21 netballers will play Australia in the world championship final in the Cook Islands tomorrow.

New Zealand overcame their strongest challenge yet yesterday with a 57-44 semifinal win over Jamaica.

Australia made it to the final with a 63-42 win over England.

New Zealand, the defending champions, were tied 15-15 after the first quarter and edged ahead only slightly in the second spell to lead 29-24 at halftime.

A strong third quarter laid the base for a well-constructed win, as the New Zealanders restricted Jamaica to just eight goals while piling on 15 to lead 44-32 with 15 minutes remaining.

Although the Jamaicans fought back in the final quarter, New Zealand had done enough to secure the win and a showdown against rivals Australia.

NZPA