Netball: Dream send-off for under-21 coach

Otago under-21 coach Helen Bryant could not have imagined a more fitting way to end her coaching career in the province than guiding her side to a title at the age-group nationals in Hamilton yesterday.

Otago led throughout the final but had to survive a spirited comeback from Wellington before winning 33-30.

The team embraced after the final whistle but for Bryant the moment was extra special.

After living and coaching in Otago for the past 24 years she is returning to Canterbury next week.

"The girls gave it their all and they wanted it for lots of reasons and that was one of them," Bryant said.

"The time is right for me to have a change and it is just a fantastic way to end. It was the best leaving gift I could have wished for."

Otago led 19-12 at half-time but Wellington rallied and closed the gap to three goals.

Otago held its nerve to seal the win.

"Wellington came back in the last quarter but we managed to hang in there and keep going right to the end. It is a good feeling and well deserved for the girls because they have worked really hard in every game."

Otago had some hiccups early on in the competition and only scraped into the semifinal.

It trailed Southland 4-10 after the first quarter of the semifinal but fought back to win 29-27.

Three Otago players made the under-21 tournament team - Jaimee Power, Jess Moulds and Greir Campbell.

  Power was named player of the tournament.

In the under-19 B grade final Otago lost to Waikato Black 24-25.