Silver Ferns primed for Constellation Cup
October 3, 2017
Silver Ferns’ captain Katrina Grant says they can squeeze one more trophy in their cabinet and is eyeing the Constellation Cup to end their season on a high.
The Ferns take on the Australian Diamonds at Spark Arena in Auckland on Thursday night and Christchurch on October 8 before crossing the Tasman for a further two tests.
Grant believes they are primed to bring the Cup home after a lengthy absence.
“2012 was a long time ago,” Grant said regarding the last time they held the Constellation Cup. “We want that Cup. Having a third trophy this year would be big for us – a very successful year.”
A new –look Ferns has already secured the Netball Quad Series and the Taini Jamison Trophy and in doing so tested various combinations across the court.
It was something Grant expected to see continued through the Constellation Cup with next year’s Commonwealth Games looming.
“We need to make changes and try lots of different combinations and this is the time to do it before next year. Who knows what’s going to happen, who’s going to go where – it’s exciting and keeps us on our toes.”
She said their six test matches so far – including the Netball Quad Series and three tests against England – had produced mix results on the scoreboard but it had proved beneficial in their growth.
“I think it’s helped us a lot not winning everything,” she said. “We’re growing on and off the court so much that I think these last four test matches are really going to test us and test us well going into next year. We just really can’t wait to get started.”
The Ferns’ captain expected a desperate Diamonds side to turn up in Auckland after suffering a loss to New Zealand in Invercargill last month.
“They’re hurting and they’re hurting bad and any Australian team is going to come back absolutely fighting.
“We just know we need to play well and take our opportunities when they come.”
But she said her side needed little motivation to come out firing in the opening test.
“Every day and every game we’re pushing forward and that’s important to us,” Grant said. “Sometimes we’re three steps forward and one step back but that’s the way we go with growth.
“I really think we’re stepping in the right direction and it’s such a promising team and promising management. We just want to keep growing, keep playing and see where it takes us.”
A number of blockbuster match-ups on court await in the Constellation Cup’s opening test and none more-so than young Ferns defender Kelly Jury and Diamonds shooter Caitlin Bassett.
Jury was a stand-out in their last match-up and Grant expects her Australian rival is keen to stamp her mark in Auckland.
“Height on height – you can’t beat it,” she said. “Kelly’s come such a long way in all aspects of her netball and she did such a great job against Bassett. We’ll see how that battle goes because I feel like Caitlin wants to get one up on her but Kelly has been up to the challenge.”
The opening test in Auckland will be broadcast live on SKY and delayed on Prime TV.
The Ferns take on the Australian Diamonds at Spark Arena in Auckland on Thursday night and Christchurch on October 8 before crossing the Tasman for a further two tests.
Grant believes they are primed to bring the Cup home after a lengthy absence.
“2012 was a long time ago,” Grant said regarding the last time they held the Constellation Cup. “We want that Cup. Having a third trophy this year would be big for us – a very successful year.”
A new –look Ferns has already secured the Netball Quad Series and the Taini Jamison Trophy and in doing so tested various combinations across the court.
It was something Grant expected to see continued through the Constellation Cup with next year’s Commonwealth Games looming.
“We need to make changes and try lots of different combinations and this is the time to do it before next year. Who knows what’s going to happen, who’s going to go where – it’s exciting and keeps us on our toes.”
She said their six test matches so far – including the Netball Quad Series and three tests against England – had produced mix results on the scoreboard but it had proved beneficial in their growth.
“I think it’s helped us a lot not winning everything,” she said. “We’re growing on and off the court so much that I think these last four test matches are really going to test us and test us well going into next year. We just really can’t wait to get started.”
The Ferns’ captain expected a desperate Diamonds side to turn up in Auckland after suffering a loss to New Zealand in Invercargill last month.
“They’re hurting and they’re hurting bad and any Australian team is going to come back absolutely fighting.
“We just know we need to play well and take our opportunities when they come.”
But she said her side needed little motivation to come out firing in the opening test.
“Every day and every game we’re pushing forward and that’s important to us,” Grant said. “Sometimes we’re three steps forward and one step back but that’s the way we go with growth.
“I really think we’re stepping in the right direction and it’s such a promising team and promising management. We just want to keep growing, keep playing and see where it takes us.”
A number of blockbuster match-ups on court await in the Constellation Cup’s opening test and none more-so than young Ferns defender Kelly Jury and Diamonds shooter Caitlin Bassett.
Jury was a stand-out in their last match-up and Grant expects her Australian rival is keen to stamp her mark in Auckland.
“Height on height – you can’t beat it,” she said. “Kelly’s come such a long way in all aspects of her netball and she did such a great job against Bassett. We’ll see how that battle goes because I feel like Caitlin wants to get one up on her but Kelly has been up to the challenge.”
The opening test in Auckland will be broadcast live on SKY and delayed on Prime TV.