Netball: Four of the best lock eyes on the prize

By JULIE ASH

AUCKLAND

Auckland Waitakere have hardly been a force in national provincial netball of late, finishing out of the top six in the past two years.

But with Silver Fern captain Anna Rowberry, former New Zealand squad members Victoria Edward and Leigh Price, and the return of young defender Rachel Rasmussen (who has moved back from Christchurch) things might be about to change.

"It is going really well," captain Leigh Price said of her team's progress. "We have had lots of practice games against loads of opposition, which have been good for getting links going."

It was in one of those practice games that Auckland Waitakere upset Waikato, something Price is quick to downplay. "I don't think you can take a lot from pre-season games - everyone is out there trying different combinations and things."

With six players from the Diamonds franchise, the Auckland Waitakere side have an advantage because their combinations have been established.

"We have some who have played in the Diamonds together, some who have played club netball together and some at under-21 level together - so there already are some links there. But with each team and each coach come different dynamics."

On paper, Auckland Waitakere have plenty of strength in the defence and midcourt, but their success may depend on the performance of their shooters, Shelley Norris, Brigette Tapene and Julie Kelman-Poto. Said Price: "I think the championship will really be there for taking this year."

COUNTIES MANUKAU

Counties Manukau have been the shining light in what has been a pretty dark era in Auckland netball during the past three years.

Of the three teams in the greater Auckland region, Counties Manukau have been best performed in the past three NPCs, finishing third in 2000 and sixth the past two years - ahead of both Auckland Waitakere and Netball North.

But with a new coach and an entirely new team, which is missing the likes of Temepara Clark, Roxanne Chatterton, Nicolette Ropati and Lorna Suafoa, the South Auckland side face an uphill battle if they are to equal or better their past results.

Captain Janine Topia, who has played on and off for the province in recent years, describes her team as "new, young and fresh".

"We have identified ourselves as the unknown team. We have no Irene van Dyk, no Sheryl Clarke and no Temepara Clark," she said.

"This year will be quite telling for us. Our main goal, because we are such a new team, is really to develop players for the future. There are a few of us in the team, like Mary-Jane Araroa, Verina Konui and myself, who as senior players are there to guide the young ones and help them achieve in the NPC."

Counties Manukau's first match is against Netball North, a side predicted by many to win the championship title.

"I think Netball North are probably going to be the team to beat. They have got half of the Force team plus Tania Dalton. I see them getting into the top four and probably the final.

"They are dominant in each third of the court so we have to control the ball we have and make use of any ball they throw away."

NETBALL NORTH

Her opponents are probably secretly hoping Silver Ferns star Temepara Clark is still a little jaded following New Zealand's success at the world championships.

Bad news. The Silver Ferns pocket rocket said she has a new lease of life and is raring to get on to the court for Netball North.

"I had about three weeks off," Clark said. "It seemed like ages ... I really just wanted to get back and play. I know that seems strange because the world championships were such a long haul. But I think because we won it kind of made you want to get back out and play again."

After several years with Counties Manukau, Clark, this year opted to join forces with Netball North, teaming up with Silver Fern team-mates Dalton and Sheryl Clarke and former Ferns Daneka Wipiiti, Teresa Tairi and Linda Vagana.

"I have always been a south side girl," she said. "But I just felt it was time for a change."

By chance, Netball North's first match tonight is against Clark's old team. "I have played with most of the girls in that team. So I guess it will be a little bit strange but I am more than happy where I am."

The North Harbour side will definitely finish in the top two in their pool, if not in pole position.

However Clark believes it is about time a team from the Auckland region claimed the national provincial prize. It has been six years since Yvonne Willering coached the North Harbour side to success.

WAIKATO

Waikato have been one of the heavyweights in national provincial netball, claiming a top-three spot for the last three years.

Throw in Silver Fern shooter Irene van Dyk and defender Leana du Plooy and you have team full of rock stars.

"Irene is the best shooter in the world and it is nice to know that you just have to give the ball to her and she'll score," said captain Amigene Metcalfe. "Leana also brings a lot to our defensive end, which is also very exciting."

Along with van Dyk, du Plooy and Metcalfe, the side also includes New Zealand A players Jenny-May Coffin and Joline Henry and national under-21 players Laura Langman, Tiana Tuuta, Kahurangi Waititi and Casey Williams.

But pre-season losses to Netball North and Auckland Waitakere have highlighted how tough this year's championship is going to be.

Waikato should have no problem finishing top of their pool and advancing to the top-six playoffs.

"Once you get into that top six every game is a big deal," said Metcalfe. "The format of the tournament does make it difficult because it could mean seven hard games in seven days. By the end of it, no matter how fit you are, you are knackered."

As for their past success, Metcalfe believes it can continue.

"We have done well and I think it is because our team doesn't change a lot from our National Bank Cup team."

And Metcalfe should know. She has turned out for Waikato for 11 years. "Everyone makes a bit deal of it but it is only because I live here. Waikato is my home."