Netball: Off-season buys put Magic in the frame

Bold off-season purchases have given Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic the impetus to be serious challengers for this season's National Bank Cup netball league which starts on Saturday.

The Magic, whose best finish in the five-year-old competition was third in 2001, have often been let down by erratic shooting in the past. The franchise look to have solved that problem this year with the acquisition of the world's best shooter.

Magic managed to snaffle Irene van Dyk from under the Capital Shakers' noses in a major coup, completing their successful Wellington raid with Silver Ferns defender Leana du Plooy, who was also tempted north.

The addition of the South African pair to their playing roster gives the Magic strength throughout the court in a well balanced team which also includes Silver Ferns Jenny-May Coffin in the midcourt and New Zealand squad members Amigene Metcalfe (midcourt) and Joline Henry (defence).

"We've got definite firepower in the team," Magic coach Noeline Taurua said.

"We've got the individuals with the skill to be able to do it (win title) but in saying that there's still a lot of work to be done."

Taurua still regarded four-time winners the Southern Sting as the league's benchmark and the team to beat this year. The title has never been won by a North Island team, the Otago Rebels winning the inaugural trophy in 1998 prior to the Sting's monopoly.

The Sting face their first title defence without inspiring captain Bernice Mene, who retired last year. Otherwise they have retained the winning core and will remain hard to beat, especially at their Stadium Southland fortress.

Present and past Silver Ferns Lesley Nicol, Adine Harper, Donna Loffhagen and Tania Dalton are supported by a talented core which includes Jenny Ferguson, Megan Hutton, Kate Lundy and Jo Tapper.

Sting coach Robyn Broughton has not dwelt on the loss of Mene, who will be on hand as assistant coach for some games, and said it was natural that all other teams would be out to get them.

"We'll be just as competitive...we've got a new make-up and a slightly different game plan as a consequence," she said.

"We're starting afresh...we don't talk about this as being our fifth go at it.

"I don't talk about defending a title. I don't want them living in the past, it's not fair on the new, young faces."

Seasoned finalists the Flames should also be in the frame again this year after being in the runners-up position for the past three seasons.

Silver Ferns Belinda Colling and Vilimaina Davu each anchor an end of the court while the well performed Maree Grubb and Natasha Marshall are capable midcourters.

Major off-season additions for the Flames are shooter Jodi Te Huna and midcourter Frances Solia, both from the hapless Shakers, and promising defender Rachel Rasmussen from the Diamonds.

Former Silver Ferns mentor Yvonne Willering returns to her old stamping ground north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge to guide the talent-laden Force.

Force made the semifinals last year but have been perennial under-achievers. With Temepara Clark, Sheryl Clarke, Kate Dowling, Lorna Suafoa, Teresa Tairi, Linda Vagana, Daneka Wipiiti and Angelina Yates at her disposal, Willering is looking to go all the way this time.

"I know what the players are capable of but it's still about putting it on the court and for a coach that's the most nervous thing," Willering said.

"If they play to their full potential there's no reason why they shouldn't be there in the final."

The Auckland based Diamonds and Rebels probably lack the allround firepower of the Magic, Sting, Flames and Force but will be on the fringes and have the ability to knock over the bigger-named teams on their day.

Initial interest in the Diamonds could rest with Joan Hodson, who is entering the coaching arena at this level for the first time after leaving her mark as an international player and umpire.

The decimated Shakers with Australian coach Maria Lynch are in definite rebuilding mode while Counties Manukau Cometz and the Western Flyers are likely to struggle against the glamour teams.

First round draw:

Saturday - Sting v Cometz, Invercargill; Flyers v Magic, Palmerston North; Rebels v Diamonds, Dunedin.

Sunday - Force v Flames, North Shore.

Bye - Shakers.

- NZPA