The Silver Ferns have had to settle for fourth at the Netball World Cup, after losing to Jamaica 52-45 in the bronze final in Cape Town.
It marks New Zealand’s worst ever World Cup result, but also the recent rise in strength of England, Jamaica and South Africa. Australia were crowned champions for the 12th time after thrashing England 61-45 in the final.
The Ferns were unable to exact revenge on the Sunshine Girls for their 11-goal loss in the group stage, but put in perhaps their best showing of the tournament.
This time, Dame Noeline Taurua gave Kelly Jury the chance to battle 1.98-metre Jamaican goal shoot Jhaniele Fowler.
Maddy Gordon got the nod at centre, with Kate Heffernan at wing defence and Karin Burger on the bench.
The Sunshine Girls lacked precision early on and a pass to Fowler sailed over the baseline to give New Zealand an edge to start the match.
Gina Crampton then hit the deck with what looked to be an ankle injury just over two minutes into the contest. She could not return to her feet and limped off with the help of her teammates.
Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Maia Wilson found much more space in the circle than they did against England and maintained their accuracy
However, two late intercepts from the Jamaican defenders helped them win the opening quarter 14-11.
Te Paea Selby-Rickit replaced Wilson in goal shoot in the second quarter, nailing her first attempt from distance.
Jury’s height and defensive pressure saw Fowler often have to leave the circle and work her way in. Karaka brought plenty of physicality, forcing Fowler to drop a pass out over the baseline.
There was an air of steely determination about the New Zealand defence, which prevented Jamaica from gathering any real momentum.
The same could not be said about the Silver Ferns’ attack. They lacked consistency and failed to capitalise on the hard-won turnovers at the other end.
Jamaica maintained their three-goal advantage after a 10-all second quarter for a 24-21 halftime lead.
Tiana Metuarau – who replaced the captain at goal attack late in the second quarter – played with confidence in the third, picking off an early intercept and not shying away from contact.
However, a wayward pass out of bounds from Metuarua saw Jamaica extend their lead and Ekenasio come back into goal attack and Wilson to goal shoot.
Karaka picked off a clean intercept and a block – forcing turnovers – and stunted the Sunshine Girls’ momentum.
The return of experience saw New Zealand claw the deficit back from eight to six. Jamaica won the quarter 14-11 for a 38-32 scoreline heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter featured an evenly matched, physical end to the tournament, which the Sunshine Girls edged 14-13.
With less than four minutes remaining, the Mainland Tactix duo of Watson and Burger subbed in for Jury and Karaka, who had put in an outstanding effort.
The Jamaican fans roared into life in the final minute, emotions clearly running high for the surging netball nation. It is their first podium finish at a World Cup since claiming bronze in 2007.
An emotional Silver Ferns captain – tears flowing – expressed her disappointment after the match, but said the support from Ferns fans, especially those who travelled to South Africa, meant so much.
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