Netball: Tough win good news for Ferns

By JENNI RUTHERFORD in Manchester

The Silver Ferns' world championship campaign began in earnest yesterday with a 52-36 win over England in Manchester.

With the clock counting down to July when New Zealand take on the world in Jamaica, the Ferns' first international outing for the year gave them a sample of what they will face in five months' time.

The New Zealanders fought off a tough, physical challenge by a determined and much-improved England. The 16-goal winning margin - New Zealand's narrowest in recent history against that opposition - is half the margin by which the Ferns demolished England seven months ago at the Manchester Commonwealth Games.

"They were a lot more physical than at the Commonwealths and we were having to get them off our backs before getting the ball," captain Anna Rowberry said.

Though it was clear plenty of work was needed, especially at the back of the court, before tomorrow morning's second encounter, coach Ruth Aitken was encouraged by New Zealand's display.

"I'm pleased they could walk off the court by the end. It was tough."

New Zealand travel to Birmingham for the second of the three-match series and have just a day to work on a performance that lacked sparkle.

"We want to get more polished and improve our defensive game and look after our shooters," Aitken said.

"Certainly as England are mid-season and we are pre-season, I think that made a big difference. They were sharp throughout the court. I think we'll make the step up from here. We have to get a bit smarter."

England coach Lyn Gunson was pleased with her team's performance, and rebutted Aitken's excuse, saying the two teams were almost level in terms of match fitness. The England national players had had a compulsory rest period after the Commonwealth Games.

"Because it was such a heavy year last year the England players didn't play before Christmas. They haven't really had a lot of netball either, maybe three or four county games," said Gunson, a former NZ captain. "There isn't a lot of difference between the players in that sense, so I'm really quite pleased with where we are at."

England, ultimately, were let down by poor goal shooting, scoring off just 57 per cent of their attempts.

Alex Astle, starting at goal shoot, was quickly replaced after missing all of her six shots in the second quarter. Abby Teare took over and Tracey Neville's switch into goal attack from wing attack changed the course of the spell, which England won 10-9.

Lapses in England's concentration allowed New Zealand to string together consecutive goals in the third quarter and move out of any danger, leading 39-24 by the end of the period.

Goal shoot Irene van Dyk was on song yesterday, netting 36 goals from 38 attempts to ensure New Zealand's unbeaten record on English soil remained secure.

Goal attack Belinda Colling was in the zone, with a standout all-round performance. She scored 16 goals from 17 attempts and wowed the crowd with her aerial play, timing and ball control.

Lesley Nicol reached a milestone - her 90th test - and is now just four caps off equalling Sandra Edge's New Zealand record as most capped Silver Fern. Victoria Edward replaced Nicol in the fourth quarter.

NZ's record against England now stands at 53 wins from 56 meetings.

All 6100 tickets have sold out for their next clash at the National Events Centre.

- NZPA