The Silver Ferns completed a return to form with a blistering final quarter to clinch a 46-41 win over the World 7 in the third New World International Netball Series test at The Trusts Stadium Arena, in Auckland tonight.

See Match Statistics below.
Click here for the Photo Gallery.

After losing the first two tests during the week by four and nine goals, the Silver Ferns showed a big improvement in the third outing. Showing greater penetration and movement on attack coupled with a telling defensive effort, the Silver Ferns fought gamely throughout. Trailing through the middle stages of the match, the Silver Ferns responded with strong resolve to effectively shut the World 7 out of the match in the final quarter.

There was a slight tweaking from both teams coming into the dead rubber with under-21 captain Paula Griffin (goal attack) and Maree Bowden (wing attack) getting their first starts of the series for the Silver Ferns. The World 7 reverted to their successful line-up of the first test, with the exception of the lofty Demelza McCloud getting her first start at goal defence ahead of Sonia Mkoloma.

The two New Zealand attackers made the most of their rare starting spots, overcoming a jittery start to add speed and creative movement in working the ball forward. Griffin combined effectively with Irene van Dyk (pictured left, with Geva Mentor defending the shot, in tonight's match. PHOTO: Michael Bradley) under the hoop, splitting the circle and creating space while Bowden regularly found herself in the best feeding position as she hit the top of the circle with ease.

At the other end of the court, the Silver Ferns' defensive unit provided a stiffer challenge than previously seen in stemming the World 7's potent attacking threat. The defensive work of Casey Williams, Katrina Grant, Laura Langman and Temepara George put the heat on the classy composite team as their pressure created extra ball to propel the Silver Ferns into a 14-11 first quarter lead.

In a bid to stymie the movement and speed of the Silver Ferns attacking line, the World 7 were quick to introduce Mkoloma into the action as the visitors fought back strongly in the second stanza. The England defender added starch on defence and spark through court as both teams lifted the intensity with a tight and entertaining spectacle ensuing.

Rising to the challenge, the visitors had the better of the second quarter as the Silver Ferns failed to capitalise on all their opportunities with the World 7 taking a 24-22 lead into the half-time break.

There were changes aplenty on both sides for the second half. In a bid to give all her players a fair run, World 7 coach Julie Fitzgerald introduced the Queensland Firebirds pair of Tamsin Greenway (wing attack) and Romelda Aiken (goal shoot).

Looking at all her options ahead of next month's series against Australia, Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken brought on fresh legs in Maria Tutaia (goal attack), Liana Barrett-Chase (wing attack) and Joline Henry (goal defence).

The changes initially swung the momentum back with the visitors, who made full use of the 1.92m frame of a composed Aiken under the hoop to ease out to a five-goal buffer.
Settling into their work, the Silver Ferns charged back into contention with a dominant period on attack to tie the scores at 32-all, before the World 7 regained their two-goal edge in the final five minutes of the third quarter to lead 35-33 heading down the home stretch.

All the impetus was with the Silver Ferns in a rampant opening to the final quarter. Well marshalled by the inspiring George, having her best outing of the series, and Williams adding the blow torch to the threatening Aiken, the Silver Ferns scored six unanswered goals to take the lead while also keeping the World 7 scoreless for the opening six minutes.

With their noses in front, the Silver Ferns maintained their crisp timing on attack and unrelenting defensive pressure with a withering finish to break the World 7's resolve.

World 7 captain Natasha Chokljat made a gracious acceptance speech upon receiving the Taini Jamison Trophy for the World 7's series victory.

Slideshow Image: Maree Bowden rises high above the World 7's Peta Scholz in the 3rd Test. (PHOTO: Michael Bradley)