Continuity key for Silver Ferns

05 July 2002

The Manchester 2002 New Zealand netball squad contains few surprises.

Belinda Colling is part of a very experienced Silver Ferns squad

New Zealand netball coach Ruth Aitken has retained the Silver Ferns who comprehensively beat Barbados in the recent test series for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) and Netball New Zealand have confirmed the same 12 players who beat Barbados 3-0 for the Games starting on 25 July.

Aitken believes she has a versatile team who have a variety of playing combinations, giving the side an ability to change and adapt their game.

"I am pleased with the team's recent series against Barbados and now look forward to taking the team to the next challenge of the Commonwealth Games," she said.

This is the second occasion that netball has been included on the official Commonwealth Games programme. At Kuala Lumpur in 1998, New Zealand won the silver medal in the event. Australia won the gold.

Six members of that New Zealand team, Donna Loffhagen, Belinda Colling, Julie Seymour, Anna Rowberry, Lesley Nicol and Linda Vagana, are returning to the Games.

Manchester 2002 netball tickets are available online

New Zealand netball squad

Irene van Dyk, Daneka Wipiiti, Donna Loffhagen, Belinda Colling, Julie Seymour (captain), Anna Rowberry, Jenny-May Coffin, Lesley Nicol, Sheryl Clark, Anna Veronese, Linda Vagana, Vilimaina Davu.