Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Diamonds snatch Constellation Cup

Updated at 7:16 pm on 30 October 2011

Australia has retained netball's trans-Tasman Constellation Cup with a 44-41 victory over New Zealand in the series decider in Melbourne.

The Silver Ferns again leapt out of the blocks in the fifth Test, leading 12-6 after the first quarter at the sold-out Hisense Arena and staying ahead 22-16 at half-time.

But superior shooting by the Diamonds saw them storm back with seven goals to tie up the scores with two minutes left in the third quarter. Then the home side took the lead with 58 seconds left, and were ahead 33-31 heading into the final quarter.

The Ferns again drew level but some crucial turnovers in the last few minutes cost the visitors.

The victory also hands the world number one ranking to Australia, who beat New Zealand at July's World Championships in Singapore.

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