‘This is the season to fulfil our potential’
TEAM NORTHUMBRIA STAR’S AIM
There are so many combinations available to TN and that’s a credit to the players here Skipper Ash Neal
NOTHING fazes Ash Neal. Successful spells with Netball Superleague big guns Surrey Storm and Mavericks – coupled with a storied club career in her native Australia – make the versatile attacker a perfect fit for Team Northumbria’s evolving roster.
And at 29 the seasoned pro is on a mission to transform eye-catching potential into proven class as she mentors one of the most exciting young rosters in Britain.
Award-winning Neal was handed the captain’s armband by head coach TeAroha Keenan last month and the former West Coast Fever star is ready to turn up the temperature on Tyneside this season.
“I think this could be the season that TN finally fulfil their potential,” said a player comfortable in a number of attacking positions.
“In the past the team has always gone into every game with a great chance and they’re a side that never gives up.
“This season that trademark attitude is still there but the character within the squad is even stronger. There’s versatility on the court and a togetherness off it.
“I don’t think it will be obvious to our opponents who will start from week to week. There are so many combinations available to TN and that’s a credit to the players here.
“If you’re not in the starting seven then of course you’ll want to be – but you’ll be supporting your teammates 100%.”
For the first time in several seasons TN have the luxury of a homecourt clash to usher in the new NSL campaign.
And fans will get a first glimpse of fit-again Kiwi Chiara Semple and exMaverick Sophie Hankin in tandem at the offensive end.
Two of Superleague’s most flamboyant attackers have been flying in pre-season and Neal can’t wait to watch a fledgling partnership gather pace.
“People forget just how young Chiara still is,” she added. “As a shooter you don’t really reach maturity until you’re 25 or 26 so Chi’s still learning.
“As an attack-minded player I’ve been able to do a lot of work with her and see her up close and personal. She’s a real talent and I’m looking forward to see her kick on this season.”
Neal and Hankin became close colleagues and firm friends during their time together at Mavericks. And both have a point to prove after upping sticks and starting afresh on Tyneside.
“I challenged Sophie to step out of her bubble at Mavericks and make a move for the good of her career,” added Neal. “I’m so pleased that she’s taken the plunge and joined TN. She’s such an unpredictable player – with some attackers it’s easy to identify their strengths and weaknesses and predict what they’ll do week to week. With Sophie it’s different. You just don’t know what she’ll bring to the table and that’s a pain to play against.”
TN head into their first competitive clash of 2018 buoyed by a brilliant away win at Sirens in their final pre-season friendly of the winter. Keenan took a below-strength side north of the border with close-season capture Loreen Ngwira due to arrive on Tyneside tomorrow. But TN still emerged as comfortable winners against a Sirens side featuring former Sport Central favourite Leah Kennedy. “Before we played Sirens in our friendly I wouldn’t have been able to make a call on how we’d compete against Bath on Saturday,” added Neal.
“But we went up there and gave a superb account of ourselves against a side that’s very similar to Bath in so many respects.
“Playing at Sport Central is a huge advantage and I’m sure they’d rather not be travelling up the North East on the opening weekend.”