‘Silver Ferns can win’
The Quad Series has come to an end and while the Silver Ferns didn’t put the trophy in the cabinet, they will be satisfied with the outcome.
Before analysing the Ferns’ progress, first a quick mention on Sunday’s England-South Africa game. After all, both these countries could provide a threat at the World Cup next year.
England were without leading shooter Jo Harten, who normally adds stability, intensity and sheer passion to the game.
Without her, there is a great reliance on Helen Housby and this proved the case.
South Africa were the dominant force for most of the game and had a healthy lead going into the second half. Unfortunately, their lack of experience cost them in the end, with England powerful in the last quarter, eventually winning by three goals.
One aspect of games that I find interesting to listen to, whether it be the Quad Series, national netball premiership or another competition, is post-match interviews.
Mention is often made how physical the opposition is and how their team had to make the appropriate adjustments.
Many of the games played do have a high penalty count with both teams normally guilty of infringements. Everyone just needs to play the skills of the game and not involve the umpires to the extent as is required in the game today.
Prior to the game against Australia, discussions within the team and netball community were still not about winning against Australia, but about further improvement.
I question how long this will continue.
The Constellation Cup, starting in two weeks, will involve four test matches against Australia. I assume by then, the expectation will be for the Ferns to win at least two of those games.
Now, for the game against the Diamonds.
The start was totally dominated by Australia and when they led by five goals at the end of the first quarter, I was concerned how the Ferns would recover.
It was great to see coach Noeline Taurua have a belief in the team on court and opt to make corrections, rather than substitutions. The Ferns regained composure and worked as a unit to try to reduce the goal difference.
At the end of the third quarter, the Ferns were still seven goals behind, so there was a need for a change on court.
Courtney Bruce, the Australian goal keep, had a great game against the Ferns shooters, which saw her named player of the game. She was thriving on having a moving circle to defend – thus the introduction of youngster Aliyah Dunn.
As a goal shoot, her greatest skill is as a holding shooter, whereby you protect a space for the ball to be placed, with very little movement necessary. After a slightly nervous start to the quarter, Dunn settled into her role and gave a creditable performance.
As a total game, there were some great passages of play and whilst all their efforts didn’t result in a win, the team showed they were more competitive than in their last outing against the Diamonds at April’s Commonwealth Games. Team understanding is continuing to be developed.
I think the word ‘win’ will come into everyone’s conversation soon. That is a good thing as it shows a belief in the team and their performance.
The team to be selected for the Constellation Cup may see one or two changes. It was suggested Casey Kopua might be available for the Constellation Cup. Apart from Katrina Grant and Jane Watson, the team had no other experienced in-circle defensive combination available, with Karin Burger being cover.
Therefore, Kopua would be an asset to the team, even though having had limited court time.
It was great to see coach Noeline Taurua have a belief in the team ... and opt to make corrections, rather than substitutions.