Winning start for new Silver Ferns era
August 27, 2016
Dominating from the outset, the Silver Ferns introduced a new era with a convincing 65-39 win over the England Roses in the Netball Quad Series in Auckland on Saturday.
With a limited build-up coming into the series, which also involves Australia and South Africa, the Silver Ferns showcased the future with the introduction of new faces and a winning start for the new coach/captain combination of Janine Southby and Katrina Grant.
The match-up represented a changing of the guard for both teams, the pair introducing new combinations with an eye to the future at the start of a new cycle for key events over the next four years.
The Silver Ferns gradually gained a handy edge through the opening stanza, the new pairing in the shooting circle of Ameliaranne Ekenasio (nee Wells) and Bailey Mes finding their feet with an accomplished opening.
The aerial and athletic ability of the pair helped the Silver Ferns end a high-scoring first stanza with a 17-9 lead.
Lacking flow on their second phase play, England introduced Kadeen Corbin at goal attack soon after the resumption in a bid to reduce the deficit. Corbin added athletic presence and variety but it was the Silver Ferns who stepped up a gear.
With wing attack Shannon Francois playing an influential hand and a growing all-round confidence from a slick and accurate attack line, the Silver Ferns burst into a position of control. The defence line also chimed in, captain Grant snapping up a couple of timely intercepts to help push the home team out to a healthy 30-18 lead at the main break.
Introducing Grace Rasmussen (for Francois) and Jane Watson, on debut at goal keeper (for Phoenix Karaka), the Silver Ferns made a seamless transition during a productive third stanza. In her 132nd consecutive match, centre Laura Langman controlled proceedings through the midcourt as the home team lifted a notch with telling effect.
Ekenasio and Mes continued to shine under the Silver Ferns hoop, the pair’s accuracy and athleticism providing a slick chemistry as the home team shot out to a well-fashioned 48-29 lead at the last break.
England made wholesale changes for the run home, the Silver Ferns continuing to extend their lead while also having the luxury of getting goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit on for her international debut.
The Australian Diamonds prevailed 68-43 over the SPAR Proteas in the opening match of Saturday’s double-header.
The Silver Ferns will next play the SPAR Proteas in Hamilton on Wednesday – GET TICKETS
With a limited build-up coming into the series, which also involves Australia and South Africa, the Silver Ferns showcased the future with the introduction of new faces and a winning start for the new coach/captain combination of Janine Southby and Katrina Grant.
The match-up represented a changing of the guard for both teams, the pair introducing new combinations with an eye to the future at the start of a new cycle for key events over the next four years.
The Silver Ferns gradually gained a handy edge through the opening stanza, the new pairing in the shooting circle of Ameliaranne Ekenasio (nee Wells) and Bailey Mes finding their feet with an accomplished opening.
The aerial and athletic ability of the pair helped the Silver Ferns end a high-scoring first stanza with a 17-9 lead.
Lacking flow on their second phase play, England introduced Kadeen Corbin at goal attack soon after the resumption in a bid to reduce the deficit. Corbin added athletic presence and variety but it was the Silver Ferns who stepped up a gear.
With wing attack Shannon Francois playing an influential hand and a growing all-round confidence from a slick and accurate attack line, the Silver Ferns burst into a position of control. The defence line also chimed in, captain Grant snapping up a couple of timely intercepts to help push the home team out to a healthy 30-18 lead at the main break.
Introducing Grace Rasmussen (for Francois) and Jane Watson, on debut at goal keeper (for Phoenix Karaka), the Silver Ferns made a seamless transition during a productive third stanza. In her 132nd consecutive match, centre Laura Langman controlled proceedings through the midcourt as the home team lifted a notch with telling effect.
Ekenasio and Mes continued to shine under the Silver Ferns hoop, the pair’s accuracy and athleticism providing a slick chemistry as the home team shot out to a well-fashioned 48-29 lead at the last break.
England made wholesale changes for the run home, the Silver Ferns continuing to extend their lead while also having the luxury of getting goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit on for her international debut.
The Australian Diamonds prevailed 68-43 over the SPAR Proteas in the opening match of Saturday’s double-header.
The Silver Ferns will next play the SPAR Proteas in Hamilton on Wednesday – GET TICKETS