Netball: Ferns ready for hit-and-run mission

The Silver Ferns face a hit-and-run mission in the first phase of a hectic six months when they leave for a whirlwind trip to Britain on Monday.

That first step will culminate in the world championships in Kingston, Jamaica, in July.

The Silver Ferns will play two training matches against Wales and the England development team on Thursday and Saturday before meeting England in a three-test series on February 24, 26 and 28.

"In a lot of ways this tour is very well timed for us," coach Ruth Aitken said.

"It's just the way it has to be. We couldn't take them [players] away from their franchises any more. I quite like it. You just go there and hit and come home.

"We're viewing it as a training tour. We're going to be working very hard, looking to train through it. So there will be a lot happening, as well as the tests. It's a real springboard for us."

Because of the world championships, New Zealand's preparation, including the National Bank Cup competition, has been brought forward, with the players having to be prepared much earlier than normal.

"The players have been working really hard. They've not had a lot off time off [since the end of last season]," Aitken said.

"They were back into that real heavy aerobic stuff over Christmas. They've been performing well, but the short sharp stuff is still to come.

"In terms of performance on court, now is probably not the ideal time to be playing tests, but it's a great opportunity to get away and develop that culture as a group."

Silver Ferns captain Anna Rowberry said the earlier the team got together "the more cohesive we're going to be in July."

"That's why we're touring at this time of the year. It's the first opportunity to showcase the team for 2003.

"We obviously want to win the three tests against England, to grow from the South African series in November and take that next step, and just get ourselves mentally in tune for the big year ahead."

Rowberry and Jenny-May Coffin have shown their dedication to the six months ahead by scaling down their work commitments to devote more time to training.

Rowberry will work 20 hours a week co-ordinating sports at St Cuthbert's School in Auckland, and Coffin has taken leave from the police to concentrate short-term on netball.

The Silver Ferns will need to hit their straps quickly in coming up against an England team well into their playing season.

Aitken expects an improved England from the side who played at the Commonwealth Games last year, where they finished a disappointing fourth.

England have picked up a former Jamaican player, Janet Coulbourne.

She is expected to bolster the home team's defensive qualities when she joins the well-performed Amanda Newton and Sonia Mkoloma.

"Their defence is one of their strengths," Aitken said.

"Defensively they'll push us, which is good.

"I'm not sure if their attacks have come on. They will still probably be feeding the high ball into Alex Astle. It will be whether or not she's toughened up. She was still a bit fragile at the Manchester Games."

Former Silver Ferns shooter Jo Steed, who has turned out in England colours since 2001, has retired, but Australian Abbey Teare continues the Australasian presence in the team.

Aitken remains wary of the input of former New Zealand greats Lyn Parker and her assistant, Wai Taumaunu.

The former Silver Ferns captains will take England through to the world championships.

Taumaunu is also national performance director of the All-England Netball Association.

"I know they weren't happy with the performances in Manchester," Aitken said.

The Silver Ferns touring party are Irene van Dyk, Belinda Colling, Angela Mitchell, Adine Harper, Anna Rowberry (captain), Jenny-May Coffin, Victoria Edward, Lesley Nicol, Leana du Plooy, Sheryl Clarke, Anna Scarlett, Vilimaina Davu.

- NZPA