Netball: Diamonds work to get sharpest edge

By JULIE ASH

Kiri Adams is determined that the Diamonds will be one of the sharpest teams in this year's netball franchise competition.

The co-captain of the Auckland/Waitakere Diamonds is also the team's fitness trainer.

Adams, aged 26, has been with the Diamonds since the franchise competition began in 1998. She has a physical education degree and is doing a nutrition degree.

She said that she was enjoying training the team, and vowed they would be ready for their opening match in the newly named National Bank Cup against the Flyers in Auckland on April 6.

"It is quite difficult to be hard and crack the whip, as you still have to play with these people," she said. "I usually leave it up to Georgie [coach Georgie Salter] to do the yelling."

The Diamonds finished seventh in last year's nine-team competition, but the inclusion of Tall Fern Sally Farmer and the return of former Silver Fern Leonie Leaver makes this year's side look a lot stronger.

"This year we have got a lot of height in the defence with Sally, Katie Fay and Moana Clark," said Adams, who shares the leadership with international midcourter Anna Rowberry. "Having Leonie back is great, she is like the Michael Jordan of netball. Our midcourt is also stable, so I think it is pretty exciting."

The franchises have completed their selection process and named their final teams of 12. Once again, the strongest contenders for the title are the Northern Force, the Canterbury Flames and defending champions the Southern Sting.

The Force includes Silver Ferns Sheryl Clarke, Temepara Clark, Lorna Suafoa and Linda Vagana. Their big gain is up-and-coming Taranaki shooter Daneka Wipiiti.

Although Bernice Mene has retired from international netball, she will play for the Southern Sting in this year's competition after signing a one-year contract last year.

The team also includes regulars Donna Loffhagen, Adine Harper and Lesley Nicol. North Harbour shooter Tania Dalton also joins the team, and will travel from Auckland to training sessions.

With a clutch of Silver Ferns - Belinda Colling, Belinda Charteris, Vilimain Davu, Angela Evans, Anna Veronese and Julie Seymour - the Canterbury Flames look a strong bet for the title. The Flames finished second last year.

Also in with a shot are the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic.

They have internationals Jenny-May Coffin and Victoria Edward, and New Zealand A players Amigene Metcalfe and Joline Henry.

Former international Noeline Taurua will take the place of their old coach, Ruth Aitken, now in charge of the Silver Ferns.

Jan Lundon has lured "old friend" and former Silver Ferns coach Yvonne Willering into helping with the Counties Manukau Cometz. The Cometz side includes former Sting shooter Janine Topia and New Zealand academy members Nicolette Ropati and Allison Toi.

The competition starts on April 5. The final is on June 8.