KEY POINTS:
Maree Bowden's gamble to take a year off work and new mother Sheryl Scanlan's determination to return to elite netball were vindicated today with their inclusion in Silver Ferns squad to play Jamaica and Australia this month.
The pair also appear in pole position to assist the defence
of New Zealand's world championship title in Auckland after being included in a squad of 12 that is not expected to deviate significantly before the title goes on the line in November.
Uncapped Canterbury Flames midcourter Bowden is the new face although she has been on the fringes of fully-fledged selection for several seasons while Scanlan returns from a two-year sabbatical to extend her 42-test career.
Wiry defender Anna Scarlett is the main casualty as coach Ruth Aitken opted for Scanlan's versatility -- she can also play wing defence, a bib that could be contentious as Laura Langman is a contender to replace the unavailable Temepara George at centre.
The remainder of the selection was relatively straightforward, with Paula Griffin seeing off the dual challenge of Jade Topia and Daneka Wipiiti for the back-up shooting role.
Aitken admitted she wrestled with her midcourt and defensive options before settling on an even four-player split for each third on the court.
"It was a tough selection process, one of the hardest I've been through," she said
"It was a tough call for Anna (Scarlett). We've always felt we've had five quality defenders and in this case it was not about talent, it was a lack of space."
Bowden and Scanlan, who recently celebrated the first birthday of son Jafeth, both received floral bouquets from Aitken at the team announcement today -- and plenty of praise as they contemplate a massive year.
While Scanlan's pedigree had always counted in her favour once she started her comeback in this year's National Bank Cup, Bowden's performance during a three-day camp which ended yesterday tipped the scales in her favour ahead of Liana Barrett-Chase and Debbie White.
"It wasn't a foregone conclusion for Maree but she had a fantastic weekend. She showed a lot of maturity and determination on court," Aitken said.
Bowden's game time may be limited as she is primarily a back-up to captain and wing attack Adine Wilson though she is also a possible centre option alongside her provincial teammate Julie Seymour -- and Langman.
Regardless of what role she eventually plays, the 28-year-old was delighted to finally be elevated above the designation of "training partner".
She fulfilled that brief as far back as the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and continued waiting patiently for promotion until Aitken called her last night.
"I ran down the hallway screaming, it's just awesome to be part of this group," said Bowden, who took a year's leave from her teaching job in order to focus solely on netball.
"We wanted a specialist (wing attack) back-up, it's important looking forward to the world champs and Maree's game was just outstanding," Aitken said.
While the dozen players named today would form the core of the world championship squad, Aitken offered Scarlett some encouragement by saying the defence would be assessed after the five-test programme which starts against Jamaica in Christchurch next Thursday.
"The ones in here now have the advantage but at the end of the Fisher and Paykel series we'll assess whether or not we think it's the right mix.
"Anna was very, very close and we'll reflect on that again."
George's future commitment to the Ferns could also prompt changes to the midcourt, providing she expresses a desire to return from her self-imposed exile.
"She needs her space now, we'll have a sit down after Fisher and Paykel and decide then."
Silver Fern squad:
Shooters: Irene van Dyk (Magic), Maria Tutaia (Diamonds), Jodi Te Huna (Rebels), Paula Griffin (Diamonds)
Midcourt: Adine Wilson (Sting, captain), Maree Bowden (Flames), Laura Langman (Magic), Julie Seymour (Flames)
Defence: Leana de Bruin (Force), Casey Williams (Magic), Joline Henry (Magic), Sheryl Scanlan (Force).
Fisher and Paykel series itinerary:
v Jamaica, Christchurch, July 12
v Jamaica, Auckland, July 14
v Australia, Auckland July 18
v Australia, Melbourne July 21
v Australia, Adelaide, July 24
- NZPA
