Netball: New-look Ferns delight Willering

By RICHARD BOOCK

Yvonne Willering's thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle seems to be nearing completion.

The search may continue for a piece here or there, but the New Zealand netball coach is in a confident frame of mind after the Silver Ferns' 69-47 win over England in Hamilton on Saturday night.

The third test win completed a series sweep for New Zealand, and represented a strong start to the year after the Tri-Nations success in Australia last month.

Willering, who has completely rearranged New Zealand's shooting circle and midcourt in the space of 13 months, said yesterday that the Ferns could be well pleased with their work, and had plenty to feel encouraged about as they eyed the home series against Australia in October.

"We've been able to develop some wonderful combinations, and the players have had chances to shine in defence and attack. They've enjoyed exploiting their opportunities.

"When Australia arrive, they'll have to change their style again, but this has been good for the understanding and communication they've developed - you only have to look at the Irene van Dyk-Donna Loffhagen combination to see that."

It was not quite the same feeling in June last year when the Silver Ferns were swamped by 23 goals by Australia at Newcastle, after Willering opted to start Loffhagen and Adine Harper in the shooting circle and Anna Rowberry and Julie Seymour in the midcourt.

Since then she has not only struck gold with the twin-towers shooting combination of van Dyk and Loffhagen, but Harper has confirmed her reputation as a world-class wing attack, and Temepara George has cemented her place at centre.

"There's been a lot of change since Newcastle, a lot of adjustment," Willering said.

"Irene and Donna have developed a tremendous understanding and the midcourt have made a lot of progress, particularly in regard to their combination with the shooters. That's all good news heading into a series against Australia."

Another encouraging aspect is that the rock on which New Zealand's game is based - their defensive end - continues to prosper and is perhaps the main reason England were so hopelessly outgunned in the three internationals.

Established starters Bernice Mene, Linda Vagana and Lesley Nicol not only made life intolerable for their English rivals, they also proved productive in terms of New Zealand's possession, as did Vilimaina Davu when she was given her opportunities.

"A lot's been made of our attack end, but I've been just as pleased with our defence," Willering said. "If you look back at that second test at Palmerston North, we got a ton of ball on defence, and did it again in this final test at Hamilton."

Willering was able to use her complete bench against the tourists at Mystery Creek, starting Davu at goal keep and finding court-time for Jenny-May Coffin, Sheryl Clarke, Belinda Colling and Vic Edward.

Vagana eventually came on to make her 50th international appearance at halftime, at which point New Zealand had already taken a 37-18 stranglehold on the game.

Despite the constant changes in the New Zealand camp it was a much improved effort by England, who saved their best until last when they outpointed their hosts 18-12 during the final period, the only quarter they "won" in the series.

Willering said most of her squad could look forward to being re-selected for the Australian series, although she emphasised the door was not closed on players who might perform strongly in the looming national provincial championships.