Netball: Davis' perfect record sees World topple Silver Ferns

Jamaican goalshoot Elaine Davis could not wait to get on the netball court and then she couldn't stop putting the ball through the hoop.

The towering Davis shot an immaculate match in the World 7's 51-47 win over the Silver Ferns in the first match of a three-test series in Wellington on Saturday night.

Davis, just out of a season with the Auckland Diamonds in the national league, received excellent service from compatriot Nadine Bryan early on to start the roll. The result was a dream match and a 100 per cent record of 35 goals from 35 attempts.

"I had confidence we were going to win," Davis said. "This was a first for a world team, we had nothing to lose. We just had to go out there as top-class players and perform to our best and gel together.

"I knew we were going to do well because we didn't have that extra pressure on us."

The closest that Davis, aged 24, had previously got to a perfect game was 94 per cent, but early on Saturday night she felt something special might be about to happen.

"Towards the end I was really trying not to miss," she said. "I was saying to myself, 'we've got a minute left, don't miss this one'. I was conscious of that all the time."

Davis had nothing but praise for the concept of the world selection, which is finally being tried for the first time after several attempts to get it up and running in the past.

"Coming together as a world team with the likes of Kath Harby and Liz Ellis, who you look up to as great netballers, it's just been great being with these guys.

"Jill McIntosh [coach] is a really wonderful person. She has these simple tactics, yet they work very well, so it's been good working with her."

Davis is keen to get home after being in New Zealand since February 14, but will be here for the remaining tests, taking over the captaincy when Kathryn Harby returns to Australia after the second test on Wednesday.

Yvonne Willering opted for her recent policy of naming Temepara George in the Silver Ferns' starting lineup at wing attack. Belinda Charteris was given the goal defence spot ahead of captain Bernice Mene, who was put back at goalkeep to counter the towering Davis.

Willering was forced to replace Charteris with Linda Vagana going into the third quarter with the Ferns eight goals down and the defence having taken a hammering in the penalty count. They also struggled with the finishing of Davis and the speed of Sharelle McMahon.

The New Zealand shooting circle continued to have problems, the rapport between shooters and feeders often found wanting. Consequently, there was desperation apparent in getting the ball goal-bound.

The World 7 led throughout, for quarter scores of 15-11, 30-22 and 41-35.

- NZPA