Netball: Shooting lineup depleted

The Silver Ferns' already sparse shooting lineup was dealt a further blow yesterday with the withdrawal of goal attack Angela Mitchell before tonight's opening test against England in Auckland.

Mitchell injured her hamstring in a practise match against the New Zealand A team and has been ruled out the series leaving the side with just two specialist shooters in Irene van Dyk and Jodi Te Huna.

Mitchell will join Anna Rowberry and Lesley Rumball, who are also out of the series with injuries.

The Silver Ferns have been hit hard in the shooting circle in recent months. Tania Dalton had knee surgery, then had a baby, Belinda Colling is expecting her first child in May and Donna Loffhagen is focusing on basketball. Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken has brought in New Zealand under-21 shooter Maria Tutaia, just back from the team's tour of Jamaica and the US.

She could also use Adine Wilson and Joline Henry in a shooting role.

England will also go into the series under strength after losing key players Tracey Neville, Jade Clarke and Amanda Newton - all to injury. Like the Silver Ferns they are light in shooting experience, with just 26 caps between their shooters - Ama Agbeze, Karen Greig, Tamsin Greenway and Rachel Dunn.

Despite the loss of Rowberry, Rumball and Mitchell, the Silver Ferns are expected to dominate tonight's opening test. However, it is unlikely they will emulate Australia, who crushed England by 40 goals.

Since their arrival in Auckland nearly two weeks ago, England have beaten North Harbour's Force 62-34 and the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic 45-44, and suffered a narrow 41-36 loss to the Auckland Waitakere Diamonds. They also had a tight tussle with New Zealand A on Wednesday night.

Ranked fourth in the world, they have plenty of experience, especially on defence but are expected to struggle with the Silver Ferns' speed and midcourt zon.

An area of interest could be how the Silver Ferns shooters contend with England's tall and rangy defenders. While the hosts' speed is expected to rattle England, it should not pose any problems for Australian umpires Stacey Campton, Jacqui Jashari and Clare McCabe.

Aitken said her side's aim was not only to win the series but to continue to build for next year's Commonwealth Games. "Anna, Lesley and Angela's injuries are a reminder that what is happening underneath is very important because you never know when they are going to have to step up," Aitken said. "This is a good chance for us to give some court time to some others."