University of Auckland Clinch 2024 National Tertiary Netball Championship in Thrilling Finale

The University of Auckland (UoA) has claimed the 2024 National Tertiary Netball Championship title, emerging victorious at the Massey University Recreation Centre in Palmerston North over the weekend of September 28-29. This marks their fourth triumph in the event's history, continuing their dominance after also winning in 2022, 2019, and 2016.

In a thrilling final, UoA faced off against the host institution, Massey University (Massey), in what became one of the most intense and closely contested matches of the tournament. Massey, playing in front of a passionate and vocal home crowd, delivered a standout performance, pushing UoA to the limit. However, despite Massey’s resilience and home-court advantage, UoA edged them out to secure the title once again, winning 38 – 35.

UoA’s success is a testament to the strength and consistency of their netball programme. Under the leadership of veteran coach Liz Page, UoA has remained a powerhouse in the National Tertiary Netball Championship, finishing in the top three in every edition since the tournament began in 2016 (noting cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid). Page, coaching in her seventh event, has been instrumental in building and sustaining this winning culture, guiding the team to multiple titles and podium finishes over the years.

Massey University’s journey to the final was equally as exciting. As hosts, they delivered perhaps one of the tournament's biggest upsets by defeating the 2023 champions, the University of Canterbury (UC), in the semi-finals 30-27. Their victory over UC, a team with a strong legacy in the competition, electrifying their home supporters. Massey's push to reclaim the title they last held in 2018 came heartbreakingly close, but despite narrowly missing out on the 2024 title, they can take pride in their performance and their ability to challenge the reigning champions. Their thrilling semi-final victory over UC and their spirited push in the final prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in future competitions.

In the bronze medal game, it was defending champions UC up against Lincoln University (LU) with UC emerging victorious in another closely fought game 32-29. The top 3 finish an important result for UC , who entered the final Championship event needing to secure a fifth-place finish or higher to guarantee the overall National Tertiary Championship Series title which was also on the line.

With the last event of the UTSNZ National Tertiary Championship Series now wrapped up, UoA's triumph adds another chapter to their illustrious netball history, while Massey University’s remarkable run as hosts will be remembered as one of the highlights of the 2024 National Tertiary Netball Championship.

Final Results – National Tertiary Netball Championship 2024

1st – University of Auckland

2nd – Massey University

3rd – University of Canterbury

4th – Lincoln University

5th – AUT

6th – University of Otago

7th – Victoria University of Wellington

8th – University of Waikato

Spirit Award: Otago University

Tournament Team:

GS – Emily Hargreaves (Lincoln University)