By JULIE ASH
The Counties Manukau Cometz are determined to prove their win over the Capital Shakers wasn't a one off when they line up against the Canterbury Flames tomorrow.
The Cometz' 10-goal win over the Shakers last weekend was their first win in the National League in 21 matches.
The South
Auckland side have finished last in the competition the past three years, but the new coach, former Silver Fern Ana Noovao, said the victory was a great boost for her inexperienced side.
"We have a mixture of players that haven't had a lot of netball at this level. A lot of them have been on the bench for other franchises in the past," she said.
"The big thing is looking at their mental toughness and rebuilding their confidence. Last weekend really helped that."
The Cometz had the bye in last night's third round of the competition, giving them more time to prepare for tomorrow afternoon's match against the Flames in Papatoetoe.
Looking at the teams on paper it would take a brave person to bet against the Flames.
Their line-up include Silver Ferns Belinda Colling and Vilimaina Davu, and three up-and-coming players, Maree Grubb, Rachel Rasmussen and Jodi Te Huna.
The Flames have finished second in the league for the past three years. However, with the unavailability of former Silver Ferns Julie Seymour, Belinda Charteris and Anna Veronese, this year's team include a few new faces.
"We know we are going to have to move up at least two notches," Noovao said.
"They are obviously a strong team throughout the court, but every team have their weaknesses, it is just a matter of finding them.
"Our girls are very determined and we are really looking forward to a good game this weekend. Hopefully, it will go our way."
In other matches tomorrow, the much-anticipated clash between North Harbour's Force and the defending champions the Southern Sting takes place in Invercargill.
It should be a beauty.
In Hamilton, the Shakers will be hoping to secure their first win against the Bay of Plenty/Waikato Magic, and in New Plymouth the determined young Otago Rebels side play Western Flyers.
The Diamonds have the bye.
Round five of the league takes place on Thursday night.
