Crampton's week just got better
IT has been a great week for Gina Crampton.
The wing attack has followed up winning the ANZ Premiership with the Southern Steel by being recalled to the Silver Ferns.
She joins Steel shooter Te Paea SelbyRickit in the 17player national squad for 201819, after being dropped from the side last year.
However, she will not have Steel partner Shannon Francois in the midcourt with her — one of several players to drop to the New Zealand A team.
Crampton was delivered the news in a quick phone call on Monday and was excited to get back in the mix.
Getting a recall had not been something she had been thinking about.
‘‘It wasn’t really a focus for me and I think that was a good thing,’’ she said.
‘‘I could just play how I wanted to play for the Steel
and obviously we got some good results there.
‘‘That was definitely a positive.
‘‘It’s nice to be back, but just because you’re in the squad doesn’t mean you’re going to be playing.
‘‘So there’s a lot of training to be done for me to try and make the court.’’
The 26yearold is joined by returning veteran Laura Langman in the midcourt, alongside Karin Burger, Sam Sinclair and Elisapeta
Toeava.
While her form has continued to get better this season, she was quick to deflect the praise.
‘‘I think the biggest thing was as a team we were connecting and gelling a lot more and that could be why.
‘‘Connections are everything and that’s how a team wins — if they know how to play together well.’’
The side was a newlook one and Crampton said change would be good for the team.
Former Steel defender Jane Watson has also been recalled and joins Temalisi Fakahokotau, Michaela SokolichBeatson, Katrina Grant, Kelly Jury and veteran Casey Kopua in the defensive circle.
In the shooting circle, former Invercargill shooter Aliyah Dunn has been included for the first time.
Maia Wilson, Bailey Mes, Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Maria Folau also join SelbyRickit at the attack end.
A coach is yet to be named, although it is widely tipped to be Noeline Taurua.
The side begins its Quad Series campaign on September 15 against England in Auckland.
Francois was joined by Steel youngsters Jennifer O’Connell and Kate Heffernan in the New Zealand A team.
All three were also included in the Silver Ferns Development Squad, alongside Steel defender Courtney Elliott.