Australia has claimed a huge victory in the 21-and-under World Youth Netball Championships in the Cook Islands on 20 August, scoring a 64–46 win over arch rivals New Zealand.

Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) netballers Sharni Layton and Amy Steel were a part of the starting line up helping to set up a big 21–5 lead by the end of the first quarter. New Zealand got back in the game in the second quarter, but Australia continued to dominate, raising the score to 37–19 by half time.

Coach Simone McKinnis made her first substitution in the second half, replacing vice captain Sharni Layton with AIS netballer Shannon Eagland in the goal defence position. Despite the change, New Zealand worked hard and, by the end of third quarter, Australia’s lead was reduced to 48–33.

The AIS’s Courtney Tairi took the centre position in the final quarter and had an immediate impact, nailing her passes through the mid court. The Kiwis surged hard in response, but Australia held on to finish as champions, with a convincing 64–46 final score.

Australia has now won four out of six World Youth Netball Championships.