Ferns test combos against outgunned Jamaica
The Taini Jamison Trophy series against Jamaica proved a predictable mismatch but Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua at least got some value out of her team’s two one-sided wins.
Due to a series of administrative gaffes, the Sunshine Girls played back-to-back games in Auckland with just seven players. So it was no surprise when the Ferns cruised to easy victories: 70-45 on Wednesday and 75-35 on Thursday.
Jamaica were a shadow of the side that easily beat New Zealand 67-51 in their Commonwealth Games semifinal seven weeks ago.
This week’s series at least gave Taurua a chance to test new combinations leading into next month’s Constellation Cup against Australia, particularly the shooting pairing of Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Grace Nweke.
“With Grace being such a weapon behind there and Meels being a weapon in regards to her shooting and her volume, it’s still finding its feet and the combination is growing,” said Taurua. “Those opportunities to get out there and test ourselves prior to Constellation Cup are really valuable.”
But Taurua acknowledged playing Australia would expose their weak areas in ways Jamaica couldn’t this time.
“It’s going to be competitive out on court. That’s what we thrive for. These players that are getting an opportunity, that’s the only way that you can be tested — against the best.”
It seemed the Taini Jamison Trophy was New Zealand’s before Jamaica even got on the plane after belatedly and only partially resolving their visa issues.
After the 25-point blowout in the first test on the North Shore, Jamaica were understandably fatigued in the second test at Takanini. Their seven players were on court for every minute of both matches, while New Zealand had two players who didn’t take the court in the opener.
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan produced an energetic display at wing attack, bringing a different flavour to Maddy Gordon, who started on Wednesday. Defender Phoenix Karaka shone in the unfamiliar position of wing defence and back at goal defence, picking up seven gains.
The Sunshine Girls were flat, failing to pick up easy loose balls and lacking the energy to even speak to each other on court.
Jamaica captain Shimona Nelson confirmed her side were fatigued.
“We lost our way and New Zealand capitalised on that. Us losing our concentration played a big impact on us.”
That fatigue was evident in the second half. The Sunshine Girls scored just six goals in the third quarter and seven in the fourth.
“We were grateful to be making those goals, even though it wasn’t the max at what we could produce. We did our best.”