New Zealand: 87
Cook Islands: 24
Shooter Irene van Dyk was the centre of attention in New Zealand's 87-24 Commonwealth Games netball victory over the Cook Islands in Delhi today.
The match, just a gentle outing for the Silver Ferns, was special because it gave van Dyk her record 111th test cap for New Zealand, pushing
her to the top of the list ahead of Lesley Rumball.
Van Dyk's mark is all the more astonishing because before she immigrated to New Zealand in 2000, she had logged 72 appearances for South Africa. Her total of 183 test caps is the world record.
It was a relaxed van Dyk today. Waiting for the whistle to start play she shared a joke with Cook Islands goal defence Luciana Matenga, daughter of former New Zealand great Marghie Matenga.
As with New Zealand's first outing at these games, against Papua New Guinea, the match soon lost its competitive spark because New Zealand were far too good -- too tall, too fast and too accurate.
They led 24-8 at quarter-time, by which time goal shoot van Dyk had notched a perfect 15 from 15 record.
"This has been a very special week for me," van Dyk said.
"I feel blessed, moving to New Zealand and now having this record [number of test caps]. I never dreamed I would be able to play so long.
"I have been lucky I have not missed games through injury, and playing for New Zealand gives me the chance to get more test caps because New Zealand plays so often."
The 38-year-old was rested for the second spell, then reappeared for a further 15 minutes at goal attack as Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken took the chance to give all her squad except ailing midcourter Temepara George more court time.
New Zealand led 42-17 at halftime and the game became more lopsided as the Cooks tired. By three-quarter time New Zealand had stretched their lead to 67-19.
For New Zealand, shooter Maria Tutaia looked especially effective, moving effortlessly and shooting with unerring accuracy.
Defender Anna Scarlett, who played at wing defence, rather than in the circle, moved well and her height clearly caused the Cooks players problems.
There was a moment of concern for New Zealand early in the fourth quarter when captain Casey Williams took a heavy fall and limped off.
Though the Cook Islands were outclassed, their small but vocal band of supporters lent them ceaseless support.
Cooks goal shooter Curly George was a particular favourite, and her habit of punching the air each time she netted a goal delighted her supporters.
George is suffering from an inner ear infection, which affects her balance.
She is better today and warmed up for the match, but still felt a little dizzy. She hoped to be able to play in the crucial next match against England on Thursday.
Williams hurt her knee when she her tumble, coach Ruth Aitken said.
"It was a hard fall, but it's just a sore knee rather than anything worse."
Aitken said the team had marked van Dyk's record by letting her lead them on to court for the game, and had another private team function planned this evening.
Casey Williams' 50th test today will also be marked.
Aitken said she was looking forward to getting some tougher matches.
"It's been good to have a couple of hitouts and get the players on court. But we're ready to move up a notch now. We'll have a high-intensity training session and then roll on Thursday."
- NZPA
