Netball: Long trek for mum to aid the Sting

By JULIE ASH

Seven-month-old Tayla Dalton has already been to the South Island seven times.

The jetsetting youngster has become accustomed to joining her mum, Southern Sting goal shoot Tania Dalton, and Sting captain Bernice Mene for their weekly trip to Invercargill for the Sting's training.

Dalton and Mene, both based in Auckland, travel to Southland on Thursdays and stay with the team until after their match.

Before the national league started, Dalton took Tayla with her to training sessions in Invercargill, but now tends to leave her at home with her dad, assistant New Zealand surf lifesaving coach Duane Dalton.

"I miss her terribly, but it wouldn't be fair on the team to have her there. I have been really lucky in that I have been able to call on parents and in-laws to help," she said.

After three seasons with the Force and one with the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic, the former Silver Fern was approached by the Sting late last year. "I sort of laughed when they first rang because it was the day after I had Tayla and I didn't think I would be able to walk again, let alone run."

Dalton, thoroughly a North Shore girl, said playing for the Robyn Broughton-coached Sting took a bit of getting used to.

"Bernie [Mene] is a good friend of mine. At the time she wasn't sure what she was going to do, but said it would be cool if we both went down. So that helped my decision.

"I also enjoy Robyn's style of coaching and I thought playing with Donna Loffhagen in a new combination would be a good change - not that staying with the Force and playing with Daneka Wipiiti wouldn't have been as challenging."

After four rounds of the National Bank Cup, the Force are at the top of the table. The Sting are second, with a game in hand.

In this weekend's double-header, the Sting played the Cometz last night and face the Force at the North Shore Events Centre tomorrow.

"The Force have strength throughout the court," Dalton said. "Daneka Wipiiti's shooting has been awesome, Temepara Clarke is just amazing in the mid-court and Linda Vagana is on form."

Dalton, who has missed the Sting's last two games because of a stomach bug, admits it will be daunting stepping out in front of her old home crowd.

"I have had a lot of positive feedback since I left, even though I know the Force were a bit gutted at the time.

"I am really stoked they are doing so well. They are the team to beat, which is sweet. I guess it means they don't miss me."

She made the Silver Ferns in 1995 and played her first game against South Africa in 1996.

"I don't know if I was ready for it. I didn't handle the pressure well.

"It wasn't until I got in the team again in 2000 that I could cope with it. Now that I have a few games under my belt, it is not so bad."

Her return to the team in 2000/01 was cut short by her pregnancy. But she was invited to attend the Silver Fern trials this year.

"I am just concerned with playing well for the Sting at the moment. If I get named in the Silver Ferns I would be over the moon, but if not, that's life."

JUST THE FACTS

Tania Dalton

Age: 30

Status: Married to Duane, with 7-month-old daughter Tayla.

Position: Goal shoot, goal attack.

Height: 1.84m.

Test caps: 2.

Player history: Silver Ferns, 1995-1996, 2000. Force, 1998, 2000, 2001. Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic, 1999.