Silver Ferns captain Adine Wilson in action during the final against Australia. Photo / Getty Images
Australia has dethroned the Silver Ferns, winning the final of the World Championships 38 - 42.
A tearful Australian captain Liz Ellis embraced her parents over the courtside rope after the 34 year-old told the crowd she wasn't leaving the game yet.
The crowd loved it, cheering on
the Aussie veteran who represented her country in the 1991-1992 Australia U21 tournament.
Mrs Ellis was brimming with pride. She said she congratulated her daughter for her great effort.
Ellis told the crowd that the Silver Ferns were a "super opponent".
"They fought back and fought back and the team worked really hard. It was desparation and perhaps we just had the edge. What a great group of athletes," Ellis said.
New Zealand captain Adine Wilson paid tribute to her team who dug in the last quarter but were not good enough to knock Australia over.
"First to my team, we asked you to leave your guts out there and I think it's all over the court. To the crowd: we couldn't have asked for more from you. I think your guts are out there as well," Wilson said.
She apologised to the crowd for not being able to hold on to the title.
"There were opportunities in the game where we could have had it but we have our shoulders back and we did ourselves proud," Wilson said.
She also paid tribute to Australia and said she wishes it was she who was lifting the trophy.
Many of the fans stayed behind to see Australia receive their medals from Prime Minister Helen Clark who thanked the volunteers and fans.
The loss of the Netball World Championship title is the latest in a year of sporting disappointments for New Zealand that includes the Cricket World Cup, the America's World Cup and the Rugby World Cup.
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