By JULIE ASH
Force defender Kate Dowling has been ruled out of her side's match against the Magic in Hamilton tomorrow with a foot injury.
Dowling damaged the ligaments in her foot in last weekend's game against the Flames and has a persistent Achilles tendon strain in the other.
The 30-year-old will be
reassessed on Monday, which Force coach Yvonne Willering said would give her a clearer indication of Dowling's progress and when she was likely to return.
The loss of Dowling is a huge blow to the side, but the Force have plenty of depth on defence, with Silver Fern Sheryl Scanlan, former Silver Fern Linda Vagana and Fijian representative Matila Waqanidrola.
"Kate is a key part, as they all are," Willering said.
"She was an option that we would have been considering this weekend, but it is not to be.
"I have two other combinations open to me that have played, so in that respect we are fortunate."
After two rounds, the North Shore-based side are sitting in fourth spot with a win and a loss.
A concern for the side has been the lack of consistency from their shooters.
"It is not just about having shooting practise," Willering said.
"In practise they have no problems with it. It is under pressure. It is just eliminating everything else and having the belief to put the ball through the hoop."
A loss this weekend will dent their semifinal hopes.
National Bank Cup squads and draw
