Netball: The shots have to count

By JULIE ASH

This weekend's fourth round marks the halfway stage of the National Bank Cup. Already the Sting, Flames and Magic have stepped forward as the frontrunners. But can they sustain their momentum?

Diamonds v Rebels

Auckland, tomorrow, 5pm.

Coming off a 20-goal loss to the Sting, the Diamonds are in desperate need of a win to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

"The Sting exposed a lack of team work, a lack of adjusting and a lack of confidence," Diamonds coach Joan Hodson says.

"To be honest, we need to build our team dynamics. The structure is there, we need to build on it rather than start again. It is about attention to detail."

With Kathryn Harby-Williams, Lorna Suafoa, Victoria Edward and the return of Silver Fern captain Anna Rowberry, the Diamonds should have too much power and experience for the young Rebels side.

The test will be how the Diamonds shooters contend with the Rebels' dynamic defensive duo of Silver Fern Anna Scarlett and Stephanie Bond.

Flyers v Force

New Plymouth, tomorrow, 7pm.

After an ordinary start, the Force need a victory to get their campaign back on track.

In their last two matches the Force have had more attempts at goal than their opposition, but have still come away with two losses.

"We have to look at how we combine as a team rather than just as individuals," Force coach Yvonne Willering says.

"The success we have had in the past has been as a team."

The Flyers have yet to notch a win and although they go into the match with the home-town advantage, it is extremely unlikely their first victory will come against the star-studded Force line-up.

Shakers vs Magic

Wellington, Sunday, 1pm.

The Magic confirmed their status as one of the tournament favourites last weekend with an impressive win over the Force.

While having Irene van Dyk under the hoop is a major advantage, the Magic's ability to put together complete team performances is what is winning them games.

The Shakers got everyone's attention early in the competition when they came within one of the vastly experienced Force side.

However, since then, the Wellington side have been dealt some confidence-shattering losses against the Sting and the Flames.

Chances are they could be in for another one when they line up against the in-form Magic side at the Queens Wharf Event Centre.

Sting v Flames

Invercargill, Sunday 1pm.

The closest match of the round is likely to come when the unbeaten Sting take the floor in the rowdiest stadium in the land, Stadium Southland.

Although the loss of Silver Fern shooter Tania Dalton to injury raised some doubt as to whether the Sting could retain their title, they seem to have found a more-than-able replacement in former Australian international Natalie Avellino.

The Flames, however, have been equally impressive, especially their Silver Fern shooting combination of Belinda Colling and Jodi Te Huna, who are among the most accurate in the competition.

With both sides evenly matched, this game could go either way. But it will take a faultless performance from the Flames to topple the defending champions at home.

National Bank Cup squads and draw