Golden memories with Sheryl, Lady Wells
July 15, 2015
Silver Ferns at the 2003 Netball World Championships in Jamaica
Former Silver Ferns manager Sheryl, Lady Wells (Duckie Wells), has vivid memories of the 2003 Netball World Championships in Jamaica when New Zealand last won gold at Netball’s pinnacle event.
In this special two-part series on silverferns.co.nz, Sheyl, Lady Wells takes fans inside the huddle for one of New Zealand Netball’s most memorable moments…
The 1987 Netball World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland was the last time the Silver Ferns had lifted the elusive World Cup trophy after coming agonisingly close in 1991, 1995 and 1999. At these events, usually one goal was the difference between agony and ecstasy.
“This time second place wasn’t an option” Wells said of the team’s campaign in 2003.
After losing the epic extra-time final against Australia at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002, Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken challenged the team by saying ‘If we do what we have always done, we will not succeed. We have to get fitter, stronger and smarter’.
A number of those selected for the team to compete in Jamaica knew the pain of previous losses and were prepared to push themselves and each other to the limit for Netball’s ultimate prize.
“I have memories of Lesley (Nicol) often asking for over time and then double overtime at the end of a particularly demanding training session,” Wells recalls.
“I remember Vilimaina Davu throwing up because she had pushed herself to the limit, they were all living the saying no pain, no gain. The team trust was palpable and there were no passengers, links were tightening, training goals were being exceeded.”
The trip to the stadium on the day of the Gold Medal Match is a journey Sheryl, Lady Wells won’t forget.
“The day of the final against Australia we set off for the stadium in the bus, the atmosphere settled and calm. Suddenly the driver pulled out onto the other side of the road and all we could see were cars coming at us,” she recalled.
“Players were all bracing themselves and I could hear their screams, it was mayhem, not the ideal way to settle a team before the biggest event of their lives!
“On arrival the whole Jamaican crowd were on their feet welcoming the team into the stadium, blowing horns, singing, dancing and cheering, they had taken us into their hearts.
“We knew we were in for the game of our lives, we had prepared well, we were ready.”
Tomorrow, Sheryl, Lady Wells takes us through that memorable Gold Medal Match against Australia. Stay tuned for more…
Support the Silver Ferns on the road to NWC2015 when they take on Fiji and South Africa’s SPAR Proteas in the New World Netball Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy – get tickets
A special presentation to the team will take place at the conclusion of the final Test Match against the SPAR Proteas on Tuesday 28 July at The Trusts Arena, Auckland. Make sure you secure your seat to farewell the Silver Ferns!
In this special two-part series on silverferns.co.nz, Sheyl, Lady Wells takes fans inside the huddle for one of New Zealand Netball’s most memorable moments…
The 1987 Netball World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland was the last time the Silver Ferns had lifted the elusive World Cup trophy after coming agonisingly close in 1991, 1995 and 1999. At these events, usually one goal was the difference between agony and ecstasy.
“This time second place wasn’t an option” Wells said of the team’s campaign in 2003.
After losing the epic extra-time final against Australia at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002, Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken challenged the team by saying ‘If we do what we have always done, we will not succeed. We have to get fitter, stronger and smarter’.
A number of those selected for the team to compete in Jamaica knew the pain of previous losses and were prepared to push themselves and each other to the limit for Netball’s ultimate prize.
“I have memories of Lesley (Nicol) often asking for over time and then double overtime at the end of a particularly demanding training session,” Wells recalls.
“I remember Vilimaina Davu throwing up because she had pushed herself to the limit, they were all living the saying no pain, no gain. The team trust was palpable and there were no passengers, links were tightening, training goals were being exceeded.”
The trip to the stadium on the day of the Gold Medal Match is a journey Sheryl, Lady Wells won’t forget.
“The day of the final against Australia we set off for the stadium in the bus, the atmosphere settled and calm. Suddenly the driver pulled out onto the other side of the road and all we could see were cars coming at us,” she recalled.
“Players were all bracing themselves and I could hear their screams, it was mayhem, not the ideal way to settle a team before the biggest event of their lives!
“On arrival the whole Jamaican crowd were on their feet welcoming the team into the stadium, blowing horns, singing, dancing and cheering, they had taken us into their hearts.
“We knew we were in for the game of our lives, we had prepared well, we were ready.”
Tomorrow, Sheryl, Lady Wells takes us through that memorable Gold Medal Match against Australia. Stay tuned for more…
Support the Silver Ferns on the road to NWC2015 when they take on Fiji and South Africa’s SPAR Proteas in the New World Netball Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy – get tickets
A special presentation to the team will take place at the conclusion of the final Test Match against the SPAR Proteas on Tuesday 28 July at The Trusts Arena, Auckland. Make sure you secure your seat to farewell the Silver Ferns!