KEY POINTS:
It's hard to fathom that Casey Williams was playing only her third full test for the Silver Ferns last night.
For the second successive test match, she was one of the outstanding players for the Ferns against world No 3 Jamaica, and now must be the leading contender
for the mantle of world's sharpest goal keep.
Only a few months ago, the world champions were concerned about filling the void left by the retirement of powerhouse keeper Vilimaina Davu. While she may not fill the gap physically, Williams' astounding leap and clean defence cancels out the worry.
Since making her international debut in Jamaica in 2005, Williams has earned her fern the tough way - warming the bench while Davu dominated the goal keep spot, but coming on as an effective impact player. She has spent more than her fair share in the stands with injuries, too.
Now 22, she has better control of her limbs and her recurring knee injuries are, she hopes, a thing of the past.
Last night she was at her spectacular best - tipping out a shot by Simone Forbes destined for the inside of the net; grabbing a mid-air intercept before turning and flicking it between her legs into the waiting hands of her wing defence, Sheryl Scanlan. Her elevation is incredible. Even though she gave 10cm in height to her circle opponent, the Sunshine Girls' leggy wonder Romelda Aiken, Williams matched her leap for leap every time.
If she didn't grab an intercept, she at least tipped the ball from Aiken's huge grip. It's a carry-over from Williams' days as a school volleyball star.
She looks the part of Silver Fern pin-up girl, too. Williams is a picture of girlish enthusiasm, bobbing blonde ponytail and white sneakers. She skips after an intercept, pogos on the spot waiting for the ball to come her way, and clasps her hands above her head in frustration.
By contrast, her Jamaican opposite, Kasey Evering, has a dragon tattoo on her arm and black boots, and is all muscle and grit.
There's no doubt about Williams' dedication to the mission the Ferns face this season. This year, she's dropped her varsity studies towards a teaching degree down to one paper, so she can concentrate on the biggest season of her netball career.
Her next test against the brash and brilliant Australian shooters Sharelle McMahon, Catherine Cox and Susan Pratley will require more skill and smarts than a big leap. But even Australian coach Norma Plummer, one of Williams' biggest fans, knows she's up to the task.
The Waikato farm Williams is desperate to own and run one day will have to wait - at only 22, she's needed to run the back of the court for a few years to come.
