Netball: Some planning for next week, others for next year

Tomorrow marks the final round of the National Bank Cup. The top four positions are virtually sewn up, meaning all that is left to decide is the order the teams will finish in. JULIE ASH looks at the varying goals


NORTH HARBOUR FORCE v SOUTHERN STING

North Shore Events Centre, tomorrow 1pm

They were coach and assistant coach of the Silver Ferns but this weekend Yvonne Willering and Robyn Broughton will be trying to outsmart one another in what should be the match of the round.

Last weekend the Sting notched up their 14th consecutive win over two years when they held out the Magic in a thrilling encounter.

The key to the Sting's success was their composure, tight defence and the link between their midcourt players and their shooters.

Just two goals separated the sides when they met in last year's final. The Force have the talent to beat the Sting but will need a virtually flawless performance to do so.


WAIKATO BAY of PLENTY MAGIC v WESTERN FLYERS

Rotorua, tomorrow 1pm

This match, expected to be an extremely one-sided encounter, will at least give the Magic a chance to iron out any problems before they hit the semis. They have struggled to put together a complete 60-minute performance throughout the competition, something which is needed if they are to overcome a team such as the Sting.

But in saying that, the match may also provide Magic coach Nicole Dryden with an opportunity to rest some of her top-line players.

The winless Flyers go into the match on the back of a 75-33 loss to the Canterbury Flames, and are probably looking forward to the end of the season so they can rebuild.


OTAGO REBELS v CAPITAL SHAKERS

Dunedin, tomorrow 1pm

The Shakers and Rebels are sixth and seventh respectively on the table, which may equate to a tight tussle on court.

An interesting clash will be between Rebels defenders Stephanie Bond and Anna Scarlett and former team-mate Katie Ritchie who joined the Shakers this year.

But Ritchie has been struggling with a foot injury and will leave it until the last minute to decide whether she is fit enough.

The Shakers possibly have more experience in the midcourt with England's Karen Aspinall and veteran Frances Solia. But New Zealand A team member Debbie White will make life difficult for the opposition.


AUCKLAND DIAMONDS v CANTERBURY FLAMES

Auckland, tomorrow 1pm

The fifth-placed Diamonds still have the remotest of chances of making the semifinals.


They have to finish in a three-way tie with the Magic and Force, and need a better goal difference. Round-robin results between the teams may also count, and the Diamonds lost to the Magic and the Force.

The Flames are expected to be too strong tomorrow, but the game will provide some interesting matchups, particularly between Kathryn Harby-Williams and Belinda Colling, Victoria Edward and Julie Seymour, and Shelly Norris and Vilimaina Davu.