Kopua becomes sixth centurion
October 26, 2015
When the final whistle blew at Hisense Arena on Sunday afternoon the smile on Casey Kopua’s face said it all.
The inspirational Silver Ferns leader had not only led her team to victory over Australia and kept the Constellation Cup series alive, but she’d also just played her 100th Test.
12 months ago, the thought of playing 100 Tests may have seemed like a dream, but with her trademark work ethic, heart and passion, on Sunday 25 October at Hisense Arena, Kopua achieved just that.
And to top it off – in the crowd to share the milestone moment and victory with her was her mum and husband.
Kopua joins a who’s who of New Zealand Netball centurions, becoming only the sixth player to achieve the milestone. She has now etched her name in the history books alongside Lesley Rumball, Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman, Maria Tutaia and Leana de Bruin.
“Usually something like that [a milestone] is a jinx for us,” Kopua said with a laugh. “Certainly, I will never forget this Test.”
Congratulations from the Netball world have flowed in since the match, including a special message from fellow Silver Ferns centurion, Lesley Rumball:
Here is a snapshot of some of the messages that have been received via social media:
@SkySportNZ: “Congratulations to @caseymay04 who plays her 100th Test for the @SilverFernsNZ today! #ConstellationCup”
@raelenecastle: “Congrats @caseymay04 on 100 tests. Huge achievement. Good luck today #Kopua100 #SilverFerns”
@natmedhurst: “Congratulations to @caseymay04 on ur 100th Test for the @SilverFernsNZ. A privilege to play against you! Absolute Champ!”
@LizzyLegsEllis: “Congrats @caseymay04 on reaching a magic milestone – 100 test caps for @SilverFernsNZ #centurion”
@waihue: “Fabulous win for @SilverFernsNZ over @AussieDiamonds. Great way to mark 100 tests for @caseymay04!”
@FijiNetball: “@caseymay04 Congratulations on the 100th.”
@WBOPMagic: “What a fightback by the @SilverFernsNZ! Sensational win and on @caseymay04’s 100th test what’s more. #ConstellationCup #Kopua100”
@MonthyBetham13: “Great win girls. Cc legend @caseymay04 congrats on #100caps”
Kopua and her Silver Ferns team-mates will be looking to level the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup at two wins apiece when they play the fourth and final Test in Perth on Friday night.
NZ Netball fans can catch all the action LIVE on SKY Sports 4 from 11.35pm (NZT).
The inspirational Silver Ferns leader had not only led her team to victory over Australia and kept the Constellation Cup series alive, but she’d also just played her 100th Test.
12 months ago, the thought of playing 100 Tests may have seemed like a dream, but with her trademark work ethic, heart and passion, on Sunday 25 October at Hisense Arena, Kopua achieved just that.
And to top it off – in the crowd to share the milestone moment and victory with her was her mum and husband.
Kopua joins a who’s who of New Zealand Netball centurions, becoming only the sixth player to achieve the milestone. She has now etched her name in the history books alongside Lesley Rumball, Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman, Maria Tutaia and Leana de Bruin.
“Usually something like that [a milestone] is a jinx for us,” Kopua said with a laugh. “Certainly, I will never forget this Test.”
Congratulations from the Netball world have flowed in since the match, including a special message from fellow Silver Ferns centurion, Lesley Rumball:
Here is a snapshot of some of the messages that have been received via social media:
@SkySportNZ: “Congratulations to @caseymay04 who plays her 100th Test for the @SilverFernsNZ today! #ConstellationCup”
@raelenecastle: “Congrats @caseymay04 on 100 tests. Huge achievement. Good luck today #Kopua100 #SilverFerns”
@natmedhurst: “Congratulations to @caseymay04 on ur 100th Test for the @SilverFernsNZ. A privilege to play against you! Absolute Champ!”
@LizzyLegsEllis: “Congrats @caseymay04 on reaching a magic milestone – 100 test caps for @SilverFernsNZ #centurion”
@waihue: “Fabulous win for @SilverFernsNZ over @AussieDiamonds. Great way to mark 100 tests for @caseymay04!”
@FijiNetball: “@caseymay04 Congratulations on the 100th.”
@WBOPMagic: “What a fightback by the @SilverFernsNZ! Sensational win and on @caseymay04’s 100th test what’s more. #ConstellationCup #Kopua100”
@MonthyBetham13: “Great win girls. Cc legend @caseymay04 congrats on #100caps”
Kopua and her Silver Ferns team-mates will be looking to level the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup at two wins apiece when they play the fourth and final Test in Perth on Friday night.
NZ Netball fans can catch all the action LIVE on SKY Sports 4 from 11.35pm (NZT).