Canterbury repelled a spirited Otago challenge 63-59 to successfully defend their title in the final of the national netball championships in Porirua.
A perfect shooting return from Jodi Brown could not swing the match Otago's way, with the Canterbury side dominating possession, giving their goalers many more opportunities to score.
Momentum continued to swing through a thrilling final stanza, with Otago creeping to within three goals of the red and blacks several times but the southerners were never able to bridge the final gap, thanks to a determined and resilient Canterbury defence.
Meanwhile there was a changing of the guard for Division One next year with a resurgent Waikato making the jump at the expense of Southland following a comprehensive 52-38 win.
Languishing in Division Two for the last two years, Waikato excelled across the court against the southerners, who drop to the second tier competition.
Auckland Waitakere retained their place in the top echelon, staving off a spirited challenge from Western 52-48 in the other promotion/relegation clash.
