Netball: Force duo added to NZ A squad

Force teammates Daneka Wipiiti and Angelina Yates were today named to fill the final places in the New Zealand A netball squad.

The bulk of the squad, who will play the Silver Ferns and Australia later this month, was announced three weeks ago.

However, two spots were kept open until after last weekend's final round-robin matches in the National Bank Cup.

Goal shoot Wipiiti and wing attack Yates both played in the Force's 60-48 upset win over defending champions the Southern Sting last Sunday.

Coach Alison Wieringa said the pair secured their positions through their recent form.

"We've seen Force really lift their game in the last three weeks, which has given players like Daneka and Angelina the opportunity to demonstrate their skill on court," she said.

"Daneka in particular has shown an ability to shoot from anywhere in the circle."

NZ Academy member and Otago Rebel Stephanie Bond has also been called in.

Bond will replace Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic defender Casey Williams, who will turn out instead for NZ Under-21 against England Under-21 next month.

Former Silver Fern defender Anna Galvan (nee Veronese) will captain NZ A, whom the Silver Ferns and Australia will play in the build-up to their three-match test series.

NZ A will face the Silver Ferns in Blenheim on June 27. They they will take on Australia the following day in a game closed to the public.

The first test will be in Christchurch on June 30.

The NZ A squad to play the Silver Ferns and Australia:

Shooters - Anna Senio (Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic), Daneka Wipiiti (Force), Angela Mitchell (Otago Rebels), Katie Ritchie (Capital Shakers);

Midcourt - Laura Langman (Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic), Debbie White (Otago Rebels), Krystal Feterika-Opetaia (Auckland Diamonds), Angelina Yates (Force);

Defence - Leana du Plooy (Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic), Stephanie Bond (Otago Rebels), Anna Galvan (Southern Sting), Jenny Ferguson (Southern Sting).

- NZPA