Netball: Big two for final after Ferns snatch thriller

New Zealand battled in a tough physical encounter to make the final while their arch rivals, Richard Boock reports, cruised through.

CHRISTCHURCH - English coach Mary Beardswood reckons New Zealand will beat Australia in tonight's final of the World Netball Championships.

The Silver Ferns outlasted Jamaica 55-53 in a hair-raising semi-final last night, just an hour after the defending champions had ousted England 54-44 to set up tonight's much-predicted showpiece at the WestpacTrust Centre.

Beardswood, whose England side were beaten twice by Australia at this tournament, said afterwards she had no doubt the hosts would dethrone the title-holders, even though her side had not tested the strength of New Zealand and were comprehensively outplayed in their own semi-final.

"New Zealand will win the final," she said "We haven't played them at this tournament but we've seen a fair bit of Australia and I just think the Kiwis will have too much on the night, especially on their own court and in front of their home crowd."

The Ferns had a crowd of about 4000 baying their support throughout last night's cliff-hanger and needed every bit of the assistance, as they were unable to shake off Jamaica at any stage, trailing 13-16 at the first-quarter mark, drawing ahead 28-25 at halftime, and then hanging on by just one goal (40-39) at the three-quarter break.

Coach Yvonne Willering opted for her established starting seven and maintained the same line-up for three-quarters of the match before bringing Linda Vagana on for Belinda Blair in the last quarter.

And that proved to be an inspired decision.

With the two sides charging goal-for-goal through the final quarter, the crowd shocked into silence one moment and then screaming their encouragement the next, it was Vagana who came up with the last crucial intercept, the turnover allowing New Zealand to edge out to 52-50 and a lead they kept until the finish.

The Ferns had appeared solid enough during the opening exchanges but soon ran into some serious problems.

The Jamaicans poured on the defensive pressure, causing countless turnovers in New Zealand's attacking third, and another unhappy shooting night for Belinda Colling.

The New Zealand skipper shot just over 50 per cent for most of the match but was fortunate goal-mate Donna Loffhagen was in more accurate form, particularly in the final quarter when the Ferns came so close to missing out on their own party.

Australia, meanwhile, needed to switch on the magic for just 15 brief minutes in the early semifinal as they left pretenders England trailing in their wake.

The defending champions demolished England's hopes of reaching the final during an explosive opening quarter, riding a 10-goal cushion to an eventual 54-44 win and much awaited match-up with the Ferns.

The warning signs for New Zealand came from the opening tip-off, when Jill McIntosh's side found near- perfect symmetry in transition, cutting the English to ribbons with a strong defence, some excellent passing and some beautifully timed movement off the ball.

Australian centre Carissa Tombs believed the key to winning the final was making a strong start, so was encouraged with the way her side began last night, even if there was a noticeable let-up once a winning margin was established.

"We've been concentrating on getting away well all week and know how important it is," Tombs said afterwards.

"Back in February New Zealand made the stronger start and won the game, so we're keen to grab that early initiative this time, and to maintain it through all four quarters."