Grant insists pride is there

Silver Ferns captain Katrina Grant hit back at suggestions the team lacked pride after losing yesterday to England 54-45, their biggest defeat to the Roses in 93 internationals.

After being upset by Malawi earlier in their Gold Coast campaign, New Zealand’s loss to England was their first in six Commonwealth Games matches dating back to 1998.

In a television interview after the final whistle, Grant was reduced to tears at suggestions the team lacked pride, but moved to set the record straight.

“Of course we have pride in this black dress. It means a lot to every single one of us,” Grant said. “We were little kids, young girls growing up playing netball, and this is all we wanted. There’s a lot of pride in this dress and it’s hard to take.”

The loss meant the Ferns had to play a waiting game to see if they progressed from the pool stages of the Games.

Despite losing twice, the Ferns advanced the semifinals where they will likely face favourites Australia.

— Christopher Reive