Broughton sails forth for one more year
FOURTH time lucky? We’ll see.
The Central Pulse got the band leader back on board yesterday – now we wait to see if the rest of the group can play a merrier tune in 2015.
After some toing and froing over terms, coach Robyn Broughton has resigned for another trans-Tasman Netball League season, with early indications being that several others will also return.
Gone are long-time assistant coach Marianne Delaney, who’s moved to Christchurch, while goal attack Donna Wilkins will be the other absentee. Unlike Elvis, Wilkins doesn’t believe in comebacks, so no definitive retirement announcement seems likely to be made.
It’s safe to say, though, that Donna has left the building.
Metaphorically, the rest of 2014’s core group are over the line, with the exception of midcourter Millie Lees. Missing out on New Zealand’s Commonwealth Games team has caused Lees, a doctor by trade, to reevaluate her priorities and it might be that playing for the Pulse is no longer one of them.
She and Broughton have been in regular contact in recent weeks, and the coach is hopeful of retaining Lees’ services.
‘‘But that’s up Broughton said.
‘‘The Silver Ferns thing was a shock to her, with all the work she’s put in. Being at all the [Pulse] trainings is difficult for her, with all her medical commitments, but she’s a great team, member and I’d be very sorry to lose Millie.’’
The Pulse are coming off a poor season, in which they went backwards for the first time in several years. They looked good on paper, and occasionally on court, too, but weren’t as cohesive a unit as other sides.
Sixth was an unacceptably poor outcome for a team of their ability, and Broughton is well aware that her players beat themselves at different times. She’s made sure they know that, too.
‘‘There were some unfortunate losses, but we can’t keep saying that. Some changes will be made.’’
Broughton was reluctant to discuss this year’s problems in detail. But she wouldn’t be committing to a fourth seven-month stint away from her home in Invercargill if she didn’t think they were solvable.
‘‘I do leave my life behind, and it’s big that I’ve got a husband [Warren] that supports me in what I do and I’m really grateful for that. As do my family. They’re scattered now, but they take a great interest in it, and I’ve got the energy for this.
‘‘I’ve been back to school [at Verdon College] and I have been teaching and back with my Senior A [netball] team again. I’m fine about it, we [she and the Pulse] have come to a good arrangement.’’
The Pulse now have until August 22 to confirm next year’s squad, with captain Katrina Grant the immediate signing priority.
to
Millie
now,’’