NETBALL

SILVER FERNS WIN WORLD SERIES

New Zealand's Irene Van Dyk takes a high ball in the goal circle

Monday October 12,2009

By Emily Garnham in Manchester

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THE SILVER Ferns have claimed the inaugural World Series title after a shaky start.

The world number two seeds beat off stiff competition from an ever-improving Jamaican side under coach Connie Francis to take the trophy at the MEN Arena in Manchester.

EXPRESS PICTURE GALLERY: WORLD NETBALL SERIES

The win follows previous defeats at the hands of England and Australia in the first round of the new-look netball competition.

But the champions remain unconvinced by the rules of Fast Net - that include shooting outside the goal circle, and double point power play quarters.

Veteran shooter Irene van Dyk said: "The enjoyment comes with winning gold, but it's too fast at times and there's no chance to settle into a match."

NETBALL WORLD SERIES RESULTS

New Zealand celebrate after beating Jamaica in the final

Friday 9 October

Samoa 16 V England 36
Australia 31 v Jamaica 26
New Zealand 27 v Malawi 22

England 24 v New Zealand 21
Samoa 22 v Jamaica 30
Malawi 19 v Australia 31
Jamaica 28 v New Zealand 37

Saturday 10 October

Australia 25 v New Zealand 22
Malawi 33 v Samoa 16
Jamaica 24 v England 27
Australia 37 v Samoa 18

Malawi 22 v England 33
Samoa 14 v New Zealand 34
Malawi 25 v Jamaica 30
England 25 v Australia 19

Sunday 11 October

England 22 v Jamaica 33
Australia 17 v New Zealand 27
Malawi 28 v Samoa 20

Australia 23 v England 18 (third place playoff)
Jamaica 27 v New Zealand 32 (grand final)

FINAL PLACINGS