Netball: English learn from loss

By JULIE ASH

England defender Naomi Siddall insists her side will not ease off the gas in tonight's second test against the Silver Ferns in Wellington.

The English side, coached by Lyn Gunson and Waimarama Taumaunu, started with all guns blazing in the first test in Christchurch on Monday night, but faded as the game went on, handing the Silver Ferns a comfortable 65-41 victory.

"We definitely want to start strongly again," Siddall said yesterday, "but then keep fighting and pushing through the second to fourth quarters."

In what was a cautious start from both sides, England trailed the Silver Ferns by just one in the first quarter, but then they fell apart as the Ferns picked up momentum.

"We were pleased with the way we started," said Siddall, who has played 38 games for England. "But we were really disappointed with the scoreline we finished with, and that we didn't keep that consistency going and build on that good start.

"There were quite a few of our side who played well, but we just need to work on gelling together as a team and being more consistent."

Siddall said she was impressed by the Silver Ferns' performance.

"I think their ability to play for the whole 60 minutes is a real strength. But they have a lot more experience in playing hard international games. They have Australia next door, they get a lot of competition that way, and in their national league as well.

"For us it is all lessons learned for the world champs - so as long as we keep stepping forward and improving, then that is the main thing.

"Everything this year is geared towards the world champs, so this is precisely the kind of competition that we need to prepare for that."

Despite drawing first blood, Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken will be looking for a more free-flowing game from her side tonight.

"I think we need to work on our preparation on attack so we get our timing right and can let the ball go.

"In the first test we were hesitant and a little late in our moves, so we are looking to get that flow going. On defence we had periods when one or two players weren't on their opponents when they were supposed to be, which allowed that easy off-load.

"So we have got plenty things to work on."

Aitken made just one change in the first test, but is hoping to use all 12 players, including new cap Jodi Te Huna, throughout the series.

"My intention is to get all 12 on at some stage. When we do that depends on how people come through games, but I feel I have got some real decisions open to me."

The test starts at 7.45pm. The third is at the North Shore Events Centre on Friday.