Netball: Sting shot that keeps on giving

In a world littered with dirty clothes, weekly cross-country travel and chasing her two kids around the house, the life of Tania Dalton can be somewhat crazy.

But in this life of controlled chaos, she is totally clear about one thing.

"I never officially retired."

Even when she became pregnant with first child Tayla in 2002, she maintains the 'R' word never passed her lips.

"I don't like that word. I never officially announced it or anything."

After an ankle strain saw her sidelined in round one, Dalton's impressive return to the Sting has had people talking again.

The veteran has racked up an astonishing 98 per cent shooting record; a one-shot miss against the Otago Rebels last week being the only blemish. Her remarkable feat has seen her effectively outshine every other shooter in the competition, including uber-shooter Irene van Dyk on 91 per cent.

She hopes to continue those staggering statistics into today's clash with the Northern Force in Auckland today.

When asked whether she would ever play for the Silver Ferns again, Dalton seems to be caught off-guard.

"I am bloody 34, mate," she exclaimed. "I am just lucky to make it on to the court these days."

All jokes aside, Dalton is realistic about her chances of a recall for the two tests against Australia in July. Despite claiming she is playing the best netball of her career, Dalton remains sceptical.

"I don't think they would really go back to someone like me but, I mean, if Ruth wanted me, I would talk to her."

No one can deny Dalton's contribution to netball. Not just the 10 representative test caps for the New Zealand team but the eight years of playing for various provincial sides, including her beloved Southern Sting, the Force and the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic back in 1999.

But there comes a time in a netballer's career when other things become more important.

For Dalton, it is her family life in Auckland that may become the deciding factor in where her netball career eventually goes.

"Every year, I say to him [husband, Duane] that this is my last season. It is a tough four months in our house and becomes a bit of a strain.

"But my husband says that I am a better mother when I am playing netball and I agree."

* In yesterday's National Bank Cup southern derby, the Canterbury Flames beat the Otago rebels 45-36 after recovering from two goals down at halftime.