Purvis keen on another crack
The fact Silver Ferns defender Storm Purvis has her maiden test out of the way hasn’t eased the nerves one bit.
Purvis debuted for New Zealand in their 72-34 win over Jamaica at Nelson on Sunday night, becoming Silver Fern No 162, and there were a few nervy moments for her as she ran on the court.
The three-game series for the Taini Jamison Trophy against world No 4 Jamaica is a good chance for New Zealand to build combinations and blood new players at international level.
Game two is at CET Arena in Palmerston North tomorrow night and with New Zealand so dominant in the first game, Purvis could get another run.
‘‘I’ve had a taste and now I’m keen to get some more, as you can expect,’’ she said. ‘‘At the same time I’ll be just as nervous, getting it out of the way hasn’t helped.’’
The 23-year-old was given six minutes off the bench at goal keep in the final quarter and while New Zealand already had the game sewn up, Purvis made an effort to get herself involved in the game and and was busy on defence.
‘‘It was definitely very special. Especially being a dream of mine since I was a little girl, like a lot of girls in this country.
‘‘It was a pretty surreal feeling. It was six minutes and they were the fastest six minutes of my life, I blinked and it was over.’’
Coach Janine Southby told the squad before the series everyone would get court time, but Purvis didn’t expect it when she got the call.
‘‘I got tapped on the shoulder literally with eight minutes to go and I had two minutes to warm up,’’ Purvis said.
Purvis has played with fellow defenders Phoenix Karaka and Jane Watson, both at the Southern Steel, and while playing with captain Katrina Grant was new, Purvis found it easy slotting in alongside her.
The Silver Ferns didn’t know what to expect of Jamaica, who are rebuilding, but hadn’t dreamed of winning by 38 goals.
The Sunshine Girls are without tall shooters and Trans-tasman competition stars Romelda Aiken and Jhaniele Fowler-reid for this tour, as Jamaica look to build depth, and for Purvis it was a relief not having them to contend with.
‘‘I’ve played with Jhaniele at the Steel for the last three years and trained with her week in, week out,’’ Purvis said. ‘‘We’re lucky because she’s a beast of the sport and it’s still an international test match.’’
Purvis said Jamaica would be hurting after copping such a big loss and would come out firing in the next test.
Missing their big shooters, Jamaica have had to change the way they play, but Purvis said they still had speed, skill and flair.
Purvis has been with the Southern Steel since 2012, but is heading home to play in Auckland for the Northern Mystics next year.
●➤
Diamonds newcomers P17