Netball: Silver Ferns keep focus wide for Jamaica

The Silver Ferns need to limit the amount of ball Jamaican shooter Romelda Aiken receives. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand netball captain Casey Williams is refusing to be tempted into an exclusive focus on star Jamaican shooter Romelda Aiken ahead of tomorrow's first test in Kingston.

Ranked fourth in the world, Jamaica are flying high after Monday's 56-55 victory over world champions Australia. Two days earlier, the Diamonds had battled mightily to a 53-51 win in the first test, and the 1.96m tall Aiken played a pivotal role in both matches.

But Williams, who has racked up 40 caps for New Zealand at only 24 years of age, is adamant her team need to keep alert to the dangers Jamaica pose right through the court.

"(Romelda's) only one person, she needs people to pass the ball to her. It's not all about her ... she's not the only person on the team," Williams said.

She said it was important that the Silver Ferns didn't focus on Aiken to the detriment of their own game: "We want to concentrate on our strengths and hit them hard from the start."

The Silver Ferns' in-circle defence of Williams and Katrina Grant will play an important part in reining in the talented 20-year-old Aiken, but Williams acknowledges their role is only one part of an effective defence.

Pressure on the ball as the Jamaican midcourt drives to the circle will reduce the quality of possession Aiken receives, and make Williams' and Grant's job that much easier.

"It is hard work, but the more we can put pressure on her the better it is for us," Williams said.

Another key factor will be the influence of goal attack Simon Forbes, who has 10 years' worth of international netball experience.

"She's one we've noticed lately - she gets through a lot of work," Williams said.

"But basically, you've got to watch them all, because if one gets their tail up, they'll all get their tails up.

"They're very athletic, they're physical and they've improved each time they've got on court - they're getting better and better."

The growing understanding between Williams and Grant has been a feature of New Zealand's development this season, but neither player is prepared to be completely satisfied just yet.

"We still think there's plenty of room for improvement, that's the challenge every time we go out there," Williams said. "But we're pretty happy with the way it's going so far."

The final two tests against Jamaica mark the end of a long international season for the Silver Ferns, which began with a shaky 2-1 series loss against a World 7 combination in August.

Five tests against Australia in September followed, and although New Zealand won only two, the last one was an impressive 52-36 hiding of the world champions.

A slow start in the new-look FastNet world series in Manchester earlier this month counted for little as the Silver Ferns won the inaugural tournament with victories over Australia and Jamaica.

And although last Friday's one-off test against England went to extra time, the Silver Ferns eased away to a 65-59 win.

Williams admits it's been a testing few months, but said the team had shown no lack of energy or commitment.

"We're into phase three of it now. We're concentrating on recovery to be mentally and physically fresh for the next two games."

- NZPA