Australia was forced to come from behind before securing a third straight title after repelling a strong New Zealand challenge 34-30 in the final of the 2024 FAST5 Netball World Series in Christchurch on Sunday.

With the trans-Tasman rivals lining up in the final for the second successive year, it was the FAST5 Ferns who were out of the blocks quickly to have the better of the first half.

Impressive shooting from Martina Salmon and Maia Wilson alongside a staunch effort from the defence line had the home side humming before Australia mounted their response.

Chipping into the deficit through the third quarter put Australia within close range of the New Zealanders heading down the home straight. Calm and reliable, shooter Reilley Batcheldor stepped up to the plate in stellar fashion to clinch a couple of decisive two-point shots to push Australia into the lead.

Strong Australian defence helped dry up the FAST5 Ferns ball supply in the final quarter while their shooting accuracy also dropped away, leaving the defending champions the opportunity to grasp a third title.

``This is special and a really lovely finish to a great couple of days,’’ Australian coach Anita Keelan said.

``Coaching FAST5 is like getting in the front of a rollercoaster, and you just hang on and got for the rider.

``But this has been an absolute joy. I have coached for a long time and this team are nothing but pure joy and I just loved every minute of it.’’

After losing 37-20 to South Africa in round robin play, a jubilant Uganda, returning to the World Series this year, turned the tables with an impressive 46-42 win in the battle between the African nations to clinch the bronze medal, their highest-ever placing.

With the imposing 2.01m figure of shooter Mary Cholhok, well assisted by Shadiah Nassanga under the hoop, the pair’s sweet shooting helped the She Cranes keep the gallant Proteas at arm’s-length in an entertaining contest.

At the other end, defenders Christine Nakitto and the impressive Falidah Kadoni, provided turnover ball while limiting South Africa’s shooting opportunities.

Always a danger and continuing her stellar tournament, Proteas’ shooter Rolene Streukter did her bit with 11 shots from two-point range but couldn’t quite keep up the consistency in the latter stages.

Jamaica came within a whisker of securing their first win of the tournament but were pipped 38-36 by England in the play-off for fifth.

Through the accuracy of shooter Sophie Kelly, England were well-equipped to take advantage from the two-point range while a couple of maximum six-pointers from Jamaica shooter Amanda Pinkney and the tireless work of impressive defender Roxonna McLean kept the Sunshine Girls well in the hunt throughout.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand and South Africa duelled out a dramatic final round robin match to decide who would meet Australia in the final, the Diamonds having earnt their spot with a game to spare.

Well in control for much of the match through the sharp shooting of Zandre Smit, Streukter and Kamogelo Maseko alongside an outstanding defensive effort which had the FAST5 Ferns on the back foot, South Africa went into the final quarter with a healthy 12-goal lead.

Failing to find her rhythm earlier on, shooter Salmon quickly became the toast of the FAST5 Ferns with a perfect demonstration of how quickly fortunes can change in the shortened version of the game.

Two maximum six-pointers in the final power play, the second with under one second to play in the match sealed a remarkable 41-40 win for the home side and a place in the final.

In the first of the trans-Tasman double-headers, Australia took out the men’s title when squeezing past New Zealand 32-30.

New Zealand had won the previous two titles but a big defensive effort from Australia, where goalkeeper Al Punshon was a key figure, put the squeeze on New Zealand’s attacking momentum.

Keeping New Zealand’s long-range shooting specialist Thomson Matuku under close wraps paid dividends for Australia. However, a six-pointer from Matuku with 90 seconds left on the clock shot New Zealand into the lead, a big rebound from Oceon Grady providing further impetus.

With time running out, influential goal attack Jordan Webb, who was immense on both attack and defence, nailed a four-pointer with two seconds to go to hand Australia their first title.