Netball: Force squad all at sea for new season

Force coach Yvonne Willering doesn't believe this year's National Bank Cup will be as clearcut as it appears.

Willering's North Harbour-based side were officially launched yesterday. Not in some netball stadium, or conference room, but on board one of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron's MRX yachts.

In a team-building exercise the 12-strong squad took the boat for a spin around the harbour in preparation for their next nautical challenge, a Squadron rum race on March 4.

The Force, Southern Sting, new-look Auckland Waitakere Diamonds and the Irene van Dyk driven Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic are clearly the favourites in this year's competition.

While any one of those four teams could clinch the title, securing a semifinal spot is expected to be a little more difficult for the Otago Rebels, Canterbury Flames, Western Flyers and Capital Shakers - indicating a possible split in the eight team competition.

"On paper that is the case," Willering said.

"But unfortunately it doesn't always happen that way because sometimes if you take the underdog lightly you can end up in trouble. Some of those teams haven't got anything to lose."

Former Silver Fern defender Linda Vagana was recently added to the Force as a reserve.

Vagana, who is co-coaching the Samoan under-21 side and is the general manager of the Books in Homes programme, will train with the side when she can but won't travel to games.

"She is available should we get an injury," Willering said.

"She is a very experienced player and I know that even with limited time training with us she could still add value to the team if we need to have her."

The Force have a hectic month ahead as they count down to their opening match against the Rebels on April 10.

They will travel to Sydney in early April for a three day tournament involving the best teams in the Australian Commonwealth Bank Cup competition, the English national side and the Sting.

"It is pretty intense preparation but I thought we had a slow start last year so I guess we want to start like we mean to finish."

* The Silver Ferns will take on Team New Zealand, headed by skipper Dean Barker, in a beach netball match at Long Bay Regional Park on Sunday as part of the region's Have A Go Day.

It is understood the yachties' secret weapon is towering grinder Rob Waddell, who they plan to plant under the hoop so he can just drop the ball in. Hopefully they have taken into account that 1.90m tall Irene van Dyk is not bad on defence either.