AUSTRALIA beat New Zealand 58-55 to win a third-straight Netball World Cup in front of record-crowd of almost 17,000 at Sydney Super Dome yesterday.

    The Australians surged to a 16-7 lead at the end of the first quarter and, although they were outscored by New Zealand in each of the next three quarters, they held on to retain the Cup they won in 2007 and 2011. New Zealand last won the tournament in 2003.

    Australia’s lead peaked at 12 goals in the second quarter before New Zealand mounted a steady fightback, cutting the margin to 30-22 at halftime.

    New Zealand ended the third quarter trailing 43-37, but the experienced Australian lineup held its composure.

    New Zealand closed to three goals within the last three minutes, Australia remained in control.(SD-Agencies)