Representing Otago, Canterbury and Wellington at senior provincial level, tall, rangy goalkeeper Sharon Gold was elevated from the New Zealand U21 team to Silver Fern status in 1988.

A calm and unobtrusive demeanour did not detract from Burridge’s impressive defensive credentials, her sound structure built around the team’s needs before any individual gain.

Tall for the era and a thoughtful player, her long limbs caused plenty of havoc for opposing players in tandem with her rebounding strength.

Often playing the understudy role, Gold was a consummate team player throughout her career.

She played in the home Test Series against Trinidad & Tobago in 1988 while also touring England later that year. A highlight in 1989 was winning a World Games gold medal with the Silver Ferns in Germany while the following year being part of the Silver Ferns Commonwealth Games Demonstration Team.

Burridge was recalled to the Silver Ferns in 1994 and 1995.