On June 10th Silver Ferns Coach Ruth Aitken announced a 12 strong squad to tackle Barbados in the upcoming Fisher and Paykel series. The players selected will no doubt go on to represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. With the National Bank Cup coming to a close as the Sting take on the Flames in the final; I take a look at the likely contenders for selection.
Several players have had outstanding seasons with their respective National Bank Cup sides. Aitken has a wealth of young talent to call upon, however it is likely she will stick with the tried and true combinations of experienced players.
Irene van Dyk and Donna Loffhagen look certain to retain their positions in the shooting circle. Both shot at above 90 percent in their Shakers – Sting semi-final on Sunday. At goal attack Belinda Colling has had an average season, however her superb performance in the Flames 44-43 victory over the Force dispelled any fears over her shooting ability. Her versatility, experience and vision through court make her a probable selection. If a fourth shooter is chosen it would be a toss up between 19-year-old shooting sensation Daneka Wipiiti and last year’s Ferns’ newcomer Angela Evans. Wipiiti has put up nearly 50 more shots than van Dyk this season. Her cool, calm nature and a willingness to shoot from anywhere make her a strong contender for the goal shoot position. Evans too has proven herself worthy of a call up with some solid shooting. She combines well with Colling in the Flames goal circle, meaning she may get the go ahead before Wipiiti.
The real mission for Ruth Aitken is in selecting mid-court players. There are many top netballers who have played at centre this season, which leaves a question mark as to who will wear the wing attack bib. Temepara Clark is a definite for selection. The plucky Northern Force centre seems to be everywhere on court and has certainly strengthened her defensive game. Julie Seymour, who captained the Silver Ferns in Jamaica, looks likely to continue this role. Her steadying influence and consistent play has made her a standout performer for the Canterbury Flames. Sting centre Adine Harper will probably retain her place in the Silver Ferns playing at wing attack. Look out for other mid-court contenders: former Silver Fern Anna Rowberry and Jenny-May Coffin who has made a solid return from injury.
At wing defence, hard-workers Lesley Nicol and Sheryl Clarke look set to get the nod ahead of Vicki Edward. With the retirement of Bernice Mene, Linda Vagana seems the only certainty on defence. The 30-year-old goal keep has had a brilliant season with the Northern Force and is thoroughly deserving of a place in the Ferns. Flames players Vilimaina Davu and Anna Veronese look likely to grab the other two spots, however Lorna Suofoa, Belinda Charteris and Rachel Rasmussen are also in contention.
Ruth Aitken certainly has a wealth of players to choose her team from. “I would be happy to have a number of players in my team” she said in the New Zealand Herald last month. We’ll have to wait another week to find out just who those players will be.
