FUN AND GAMES
GEITZ IN THE MIX
COACH Lisa Alexander says Laura Geitz and Sharni Layton “are still in the picture’’ for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games as a Diamonds squad minus the two star defenders heads overseas for the year’s first international netball series.
Alexander had new mum Geitz and defender Layton, on the comeback from a long break because of exhaustion, at a training camp in Canberra and said both impressed.
“For Sharni to be back on court was an achievement for her,” Alexander said.
“She was able to put some solid performances out there and that’s a tremendous thing for her. We are very proud of her.
“She is in the squad and still in the (Commonwealth Games) picture.
“Laura also did very well. She got through the camp successfully.
“I think she convinced herself she was able to play at this level again.
“She had to convince herself she could do it.’’
While the pair are in the selection mix, they are on the back foot compared with Australian teammates who yesterday headed off to the United Kingdom and South Africa for the Quad series.
Australia’s first outings are against South Africa and England in the UK on Sunday and next Tuesday (Qld time).
The Diamonds then head to Johannesburg to meet New Zealand on January 26.