The performance of the shooters in the National Bank Cup has brought some relief to Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken less than a year out from the Commonwealth Games.
Following the withdrawal of Donna Loffhagen and Belinda Colling from the national squad, concerns have been mounting over New Zealand's lack
of shooting depth.
But after four rounds of the competition, Aitken can afford to breathe again as she prepares to name a team of 12 on May 24 to face Australia in June.
Joining incumbents Irene van Dyk and Jodi Te Huna in the hunt for shooting spots are Te Huna's Diamonds team-mate and former England international Jo Morrison, Otago Rebels Angela Mitchell and Katie Ritchie, the Sting's Tania Dalton and van Dyk's partner in crime Anna Senio.
There is also an Auckland drain layer by the name of Shelley Norris, now with the Flames, who is second on the shooting statistics table behind van Dyk with 91 per cent.
"I think as a whole it [shooting] is the area that has taken the biggest step up from last year," Aitken says.
"I think the cupboard is not quite as bare as it was a wee while ago.
"I have been really pleased."
Aitken has been particularly impressed with the development of some of the younger players.
However, she would like to see a little more consistency from teams, a reduction in turnovers and the defence adjust a little quicker to what the umpires are ruling.
"But in saying that there has been some really strong, hasty defence so it is a fine line."
Aitken supports plans to expand the competition to two rounds,
"I think it will be great for the game in terms of a real opportunity to get that experience at the top level.
"I do feel if you are an international player you have probably got a lot of netball throughout the year.
"But for that next tier down I think that an expanded competition will really help them to ensure that they are on the heels of those international players.
"I think it is a good concept.
"I know there are lot of issues to work through but I am all for it."
