Jamaica's goal shooter Carla Williams, left, collects the ball out of the reach of goal defence Sonia Mkoloma of England during the World Netball championships third place play-off between both teams at the National Indoor Sports Centre yesterday. Jamaica won 46-40. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

JAMAICA'S SUNSHINE Girls capped off their Cable & Wireless World Netball Championship campaign in fine style at the National Indoor Sports Centre last night, grabbing the bronze medal ahead of England.

After a tight battle for three quarters, Jamaica made a determined surge in the last period to win 46-40. They posted interval scores of 13-13, 25-24 and 35-33. New Zealand was crowned new champions after routing previous title-holder Australia 49-47.

Fans cheered themselves hoarse rooting for the Sunshine Girls and were not disappointed although the score at times gave even the strongest hearts serious palpitations. The said fans later took sides with the Silver Ferns, who last night were informally named the Golden Ferns. "I'm very happy that we were able to pull it off even though we disappointed in the game against New Zealand. We felt a sense of obligation to the people of Jamaica and to the sponsors who invested so much in our efforts," said Jamaica's coach Maureen Hall.

The Jamaicans seemed out of sorts at points in the match, but this Hall explained was contemplation. "We were very contemplative because we knew the seriousness of the task. There was a sense of urgency and in the end there was a turnaround and each player dug deep within herself tonight (last night).

"The aim was to win a medal and we did. It wasn't too hard to motivate ourselves because we knew we had the mettle but I'm happy that the ladies gave a good account of themselves," she said.

Disappointed English coach Lyn Gunson said, "Jamaica handled the pressure much better than us. After the test series, we assessed our performance and made the necessary adjustments but we needed to give ourselves that extra push and maybe it would have been us getting that bronze medal again. "From the start I had no doubt that it would be a tough match but Jamaica had the crowd, it got tight and they held out to the end." England placed fourth, followed by South Africa.

Top 10 countries
1 New Zealand
2 Australia
3 Jamaica
4 England
5 South Africa
6 Samoa
7 Barbados
8 Fiji
9 United States
10 Trinidad & Tobago