Netball Glory For Australia‎

Australia exacted a diabolically appropriate revenge for their Commonwealth Games loss to New Zealand last year in New Delhi with an astonishing 58-57 win over the Silver Ferns in extra time to win the world netball championship in Singapore.

Goal shoot Caitlin Bassett sealed the match with the second period of extra-time just about to run out to sink the match-winning goal for a heart-stopping win.

Aitken opted for extra height in the defensive circle, Leana de Bruin matching up at the back on Diamonds shooter Catherine Cox while Silver Ferns captain Casey Williams was charged with keeping goal attack Natalie Medhurst under wraps.

Australian coach Norma Plummer sprung no surprises, testing New Zealand shooter Irene van Dyk from the first whistle with the intimidating Susan Fuhrmann, while Julie Corletto went head-to-head with Silver Ferns playmaker Maria Tutaia at goal attack and the abrasive Mo'onia Gerrard started up at wing defence.

The two teams went goal for goal, with stifling defence a real feature at both ends before the Silver Ferns midcourt sparked a late three-goal run to go into halftime looking good at 26-20 ahead.

Australia avenged last year’s loss at the Commonwealth Games with a thrilling extra-time win over New Zealand in the world championship final.

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken sprung two defensive changes from the win over England, starting Joline Henry at wing defence ahead of Anna Scarlett and Leana de Bruin at goal keep ahead of Katrina Grant.

A loose pass from Laura Langman saw Australia pull level at 10-all, but then de Bruin turned the ball over in the Australian shooting circle and the Silver Ferns scored off the last two possessions of the quarter for a 12-10 lead.

Chelsea Pitman replaced Kimberlee Green for the second quarter, which saw New Zealand again start well, but not well enough to increase their advantage.

Unlike the Commonwealth Games though, this time around after once more going in to extra time, the Diamonds defeated their arch nemesis.

With experienced shooter Catherine Cox struggling to consistently find the net in the first half, Diamond's coach Norma Plummer utilised her interchange bench and replaced Cox with Caitlyn Bassett for the third quarter.

Both sides went goal for goal through extra time one, before New Zealand created a one goal lead four minutes into the second term.

Goal Attack Natalie Methurst was awarded player of the match.