New Zealand won their first Commonwealth Games Netball gold medal in 16 years after resisting a spirited second-half fightback from Jamaica at The Hydro on Sunday.
Competing against the Sunshine Girls and the majority of the packed crowd, the Silver Ferns produced a masterclass of Netball control, leading from the first attack and not once falling behind in the match.
New Zealand opened up a five-goal gap in the first quarter before Jamaica’s towering goal shooter, Romelda Aiken, struck twice in the final seconds for 16-13.
The teams then went goal-for-goal in the second to cap a tight first half of Netball in which only one intercept was made.
The Hydro crowd briefly sensed another upset when Jamaica pulled level in the third, but New Zealand restored the five-goal advantage before the penultimate hooter and cut loose in the final quarter, taking the match 56-48.
New Zealand began the match as favourites but the Silver Ferns knew nothing but their best would do against the world No.4-ranked team, who edged defending champions Australia in their semi-final on Saturday.
Jamaica have been standout performers in the Netball competition, beating every team they faced apart from their fellow finalists. But even the Sunshine Girls – and their 185-goal shooter, Aiken – did not have the strength to stop a third Commonwealth Games title – and a first since 2010 – heading to New Zealand.
GNS ph/lm