Netball: Rowberry-Clark combination major challenge for England

By JULIE ASH

England captain Amanda Newton believes shutting down New Zealand's explosive midcourt will be the key when her side lines up against the Silver Ferns in a three-test series which starts in Christchurch on Monday.

Newton, who has played 62 games for England, says the New Zealand team have strength throughout the court but sees the combination of Ferns captain Anna Rowberry and Temepara Clark as the most dangerous.

"Anna Rowberry linking up with Temepara Clark - that is their real strength," she said.

"Anna Rowberry holds her team together really well."

The Silver Ferns and England last squared off in a three-test series in England in February where the Ferns won all three matches, 52-36, 61-40 and 64-45.

"The speed they play is probably a bit quicker than what we are used to," Newton said.

"They also play an off-marking kind of zone in defence. But as long as we score off our own centre passes and cut down on our own errors we have nothing else to worry about.

"We are really looking forward to it and the more competition we get before Jamaica the better and it's nice coming here. It is our favourite country to visit."

With July's world championships just around the corner both sides will use the series to fine-tune players and combinations.

"Consistency is our big thing and also working on our defence and attacking options," she said.

"But mostly we want to show we can be consistent.

"We also want to try out new combinations in tough matches."

Under the guidance of coach Lyn Gunson and her assistant Waimarama Taumaunu, both former Silver Ferns, there has been a marked improvement in the English side.

With their tall, rangy defence, speedy midcourt and experienced shooters, England are no longer regarded as one of the "easy beats" on the international scene.

"We have our own style. You know how Jamaica are aerial and Australia has speed; we probably have a bit of everything.

"We are probably quite lucky in a sense, as each person brings different things to the team. A lot of other countries may not have those different styles.

"But we are really lucky to have Lyn and Wai. We have learned a lot from them.

"We are grateful to have them and we don't want them to go."

While a series win is England's immediate aim, improving on their world ranking of third in Jamaica is their long-term goal.

"We definitely want to come home with a medal and that is what we are setting our sights on."

But setting their sights on their fellow countrymen, the England rugby side, who are also in New Zealand, isn't something Newton and the team are planning.

"They probably don't know we are here. But we wish them luck, anyway."

Fact file:

Name: Amanda Newton.

Born: April 8, 1977, east London.

Positions: Goal keep, goal defence.

Caps: 62.

England debut: 1996 test series against Jamaica.

Highlights: 2002 and 1998.

Commonwealth Games.

2000 Player of the Super Cup.

1999 World championships.

1999 Played for Capital Shakers.