Netball: Triumphant Ferns reserve judgement on new rules

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken says netball officials are considering introducing a two-point shot option to regular tests. Photo / Getty Images

Gold medals adorned their necks but the Silver Ferns were still reluctant to give netball's new rapid-fire format the green light.

After two days of spluttering efforts at the inaugural FastNet World Series in Manchester, New Zealand peaked when it counted this morning (NZT) to win the six-nation tournament.

Taking advantage of their "power play" in the third quarter was the catalyst for a 27-17 defeat of Australia in their semifinal and 32-27 final triumph over surprise opponents Jamaica.

Coach Ruth Aitken's team blasted the Australians 14-4 in the third quarter when both teams' goals were doubled.

It represented a significant improvement in composure and adjustment to new rules aimed at jazzing up the sport.

Changes included double-point goals from outside the shooting circle, rolling substitutions and reduced game time of just four six-minute quarters.

While delighted space would be cleared in the Netball New Zealand trophy cabinet, Aitken expressed reservation about injecting any of the rules into orthodox netball.

"I think there will be a place for this as a bit of an alternative but it will have to be parallel," she said.

"It was such a full-on event and the crowd really got behind it, there's never a dull moment.

"But from a coach's point of view, I really like the cat and mouse element over 60 minutes."

Aitken said international officials were considering whether to introduce a two-point shot option to regular tests but warned not to expect any change in a hurry.

"I don't think they'll do anything in haste. Netball's not really known for that."

Silver Ferns players were also reluctant to fully endorse the bells and whistles on show this week.

Veteran goal shoot Irene van Dyk said the rules were "different" while the short quarters allowed no time to settle into a rhythm.

Captain Casey Williams was typically blunt: "It's ok, I can't say it's my favourite".

Midcourter Laura Langman called for the two versions of netball to remain distinct: "The traditional game is fantastic and is at a level that is already exciting.

"FastNet has the potential to turn into a sevens tournament like rugby has."

Soon after the presentation, the Silver Ferns were on a bus to Bath to begin preparing for the one-off test against England there on Friday morning (NZT).

Aitken didn't expect the players to struggle with adjusting back to the traditional game.

"Most of the rules are still the same so that won't be an issue," she said.

"It will be a challenge for consistency. Putting four 15-minute quarters together instead of the six minutes.

"We've got to make sure that we build into the game and ensure that possession gets converted into goals."

The English will be stinging after wilting in their matches this morning.

Having gone unbeaten through the round-robin phase, the tournament hosts were stunned 33-22 by Jamaica in the semifinals and lost the third-place playoff 23-18 to Australia.

Australia and England meet in a one-off test on Wednesday morning (NZT).

- NZPA