The south is rapidly shaping up as the powerhouse of New Zealand netball, judging by South's win in the national league final in Auckland last night.
Just 24 hours after the Steel continued its unbeaten run in this year's ANZ Championship with a victory over the Melbourne Vixens, South proved too strong for Central, gaining a 51-46 win to earn the first piece of national silverware for the south since 2013.
Goal shoot Jennifer O'Connell led the way with 38 goals from 45 attempts, but received able support from goal attack Jamie Hume, who was the regular target of captain Hayley Crofts' centre passes when she came on in the second quarter.
After a tight first period, South moved from a 10-9 first quarter lead to a 25-20 half time lead, before Central fought back to narrow the margin back to 36-34 at the end of the third quarter.
Crofts was relieved to see her side outscore Central 15-12 in the final quarter to claim the win.
"It went right down to the end and it probably wasn't the most tidiest of games, but a win was a win and we'll take it,'' Crofts told Sky TV.
"Our defence was really key today - we really shut them down and full credit to them, they really played well.''
South was able to put up 10 more shots than Central thanks to Hume, Crofts and wing attack Rachel Horrocks, who replaced an equally busy Zoey Flockton in the third quarter, providing a steady stream of possession.
Otago A was the last senior side in the deep south to win a national title when it beat Hamilton 54-53 in Dunedin in 2013.
National league final
The scores
South 51
Jennifer O'Connell 38/45, Jamie Hume 10/14, Sophie Erwood 3/7
Central 46
Tiana Metuarau 24/26, Renee Matoe 22/30
Quarter scores: 1st, 10-9; 2nd, 15-11; 3rd, 11-14; 4th, 15-12
