Netball: Wide-eyed coach gets the Games buzz

By JULIE ASH

The Silver Ferns left for Manchester yesterday with the gold medal firmly in their sights.

Pipped by Australia 42-39 at the 1998 Games, the Ferns are more than ready for their turn on the winner's podium.

While seven of the Ferns competed in the last Games in Kuala Lumpur - where netball made its debut as an official sport - for coach Ruth Aitken this will be a whole new experience.

"I can just imagine walking into the Games Village, being all wide-eyed but trying not to look like the country girl," Aitken said.

"Netball is used to being on its own, so to be a part of a whole NZ team is a real opportunity. I am looking forward to being blown away."

While most of her time will be spent with her own team and sussing out the opposition, Aitken hopes to spend time as a spectator.

"I'd like to go to the swimming, gymnastics, athletics and the women's hockey. Just to follow any of the New Zealanders doing their best and doing well will be great."

While Aitken will experience the Games first hand, her husband Grant and children Michael, 11, and Jamie, 9, will be glued to their TV in Paeroa.

"I am sure they'll be late for school a few days," she laughs.

"They will be at the airport to see me off, so I'll get some pictures with them in my Games uniform just to prove it really happened."

Aitken remembers watching New Zealand fall apart in the 1998 final against Australia, never once imagining she would be in charge of the team four years later.

"It is daunting when you stop long enough to think about it. But you have to look at your next job and keep your focus on the next hurdle. It is an amazing opportunity and I am grabbing it with both hands."

New Zealand have Canada, Sri Lanka, England and Wales in their pool, while the other pool comprises Australia, Jamaica, Fiji, Barbados and South Africa.

The top side in each pool plays the second-ranked side in the other pool to decide the finalists.

"The pool games will allow us to get into our stride. The England game will be a big one and a real test for us in front of their home crowd," Aitken said.

"I think most people realise it is a huge challenge and just because we have been in the final before doesn't mean it is going to be an easy road.

"It is not as clear-cut as New Zealand and Australia waltzing through to the final. I feel there is real excitement and freshness in the team, so hopefully we'll get over there and do the business."

While the Games is a first for Aitken, six members of the squad, Donna Loffhagen, Belinda Colling, Julie Seymour, Anna Rowberry, Lesley Nicol and Linda Vagana, competed at the 1998 Games, while Irene van Dyk played for South Africa, who finished fourth.

"The Commonwealth Games was probably one of the best sporting events I have ever been to," said Colling, who was also a member of the women's basketball team who competed in the 2000 Olympics.

"It is like being in a fantasy land - you wake up every day with a smile on your face because everyone there is so inspirational."

For van Dyk, her first Games experience was also "overwhelming". Having now played 25 games for New Zealand, there is no question where her loyalty lies: "I am a Kiwi girl, I am going with my team and we are going for gold."

Full coverage:
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