New Zealand have produced a strong finish to hold out defending champions Australia and claim the world youth netball title in Glasgow with a 52-47 win in the final.
New Zealand showed nerves early on but looked to have the match under control when they led 46-38 with under nine minutes to go.
They then had to withstand an Australian comeback sparked by a change in the opposition shooting circle, with Gretel Tippett and Cody Lange partnered together.
It took some time for the New Zealand defensive combination of Zoe Walker and Phoenix Karaka to adjust, but the pair, who worked well throughout the match, picked up some key ball late on as New Zealand finished the stronger.
New Zealand coach Janine Southby said she was "pretty elated" to see the team hold on against tough opposition and come away from the under-21 tournament with the gold medal.
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"They all worked their hearts out," she said.
"We did take a little bit to adjust at the start but once we got used to it we knew it was going to be fast, furious and physical.
"It wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination but they nailed it when they needed to."
Jamaica won bronze by downing England 52-33.
New Zealand have produced a strong finish to hold out defending champions Australia and claim the world youth netball title in Glasgow with a 52-47 win in the final.
Jamaica won bronze by downing England 52-33.
