The final day of the NWYC2025 opened with two tightly contested clashes that showcased determination and quality netball from all sides.
In the 7th–8th place playoff, Malawi defeated Cook Islands 61–54 in a strong, spirited contest. Cook Islands started well, controlling the first half of the opening quarter with their holding shooter and calm, short movements through court, while their defence hunted every loose ball. But Malawi soon hit their stride, taking control of the second half of the quarter and finishing the opener 15–12 ahead. Cook Islands pushed back in the second quarter, coming in strong to level the game 28–28 at halftime. From there, Malawi’s springy athleticism, clever use of space, and relentless intensity gave them the edge, as they led through the third quarter and carried their momentum to secure 7th place.
The 5th–6th place playoff saw Jamaica claim a 53–44 victory over Scotland in another entertaining clash. Jamaica made a quick start, moving the ball at speed and with their goalkeeper reading play superbly to create turnovers. Scotland relied on their goal attack as a key playmaker and forced the ball into the shooting circle well, keeping the game close at halftime, with Jamaica ahead by just one at 26–25. Jamaica came out firing in the third quarter, gaining momentum and building a lead to 41–33. Scotland responded in the final period, coming back strong and narrowing the gap to five, but despite their late surge, Jamaica’s pace and control carried them home to 5th place, leaving Scotland 6th.
During the afternoon, attention turned to the top four teams of the competition, as the bronze medal and gold medal matches promised to deliver world-class netball. With so much talent on display and everything on the line, these contests brought intensity, passion, and unforgettable moments to mark the climax of the tournament.
The bronze medal match between England and South Africa was another highly competitive contest, with both sides showing immense determination. The opening quarter was unsettled from both teams, with turnovers and intercepts disrupting the flow of play. South Africa edged it 10–9, but England soon found their rhythm. In the second quarter, their goal attack was unstoppable, sinking shot after shot with confidence, while their defensive unit forced South Africa into errors and applied huge pressure on every pass. England’s attacking duo in the circle linked beautifully to keep the scoreboard moving, and from then on, they held control. South Africa fought tirelessly, contesting every ball, but England’s consistent pressure and clinical finishing gave them the edge. With strong determination right until the end, England sealed a deserved 55–35 victory to take 3rd place.
The gold final between New Zealand and Australia lived up to its expectations as the highlight of the tournament. New Zealand opened with the first centre pass and showed composure, patiently working the ball into their captain under the post to establish an early six-goal lead. But Australia quickly found their rhythm, settling their circle and striking back with sharp turnovers and fast ball movement. By the end of the quarter, they had flipped the momentum, leading 15–14. The second quarter brought even more intensity, with both sides producing turnovers, and while the play was physical, the umpires kept control. Australia began to dictate the tempo, using clever rotations in their shooting circle and finding space with speed and precision. The third quarter was decisive, with Australia dominating a scoreline of 20–9 alone, moving the ball at incredible speed and converting nearly every opportunity. New Zealand continued to fight hard, displaying resilience and determination, but Australia’s grit, composure, and attacking strength carried them through to a 62–48 victory, securing the gold medal and the title of world youth netball champions.
As the final whistle sounded, the NWYC2025 closed in style. Over the past week, the world’s best young players have shown skill, heart, and pride, lighting up two spectacular venues in Gibraltar. From thrilling comebacks to commanding wins, every team has left its mark on an unforgettable competition. The tournament has not only celebrated the future of netball but also inspired the next generation around the globe. Gibraltar has been a magnificent host, delivering passion, energy, and unforgettable memories, what a fitting stage for this celebration of world youth netball.
ENDS
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