Four Canterbury Players In N.Z. Netball Team

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32312, 2 June 1970, Page 24

Four Canterbury Players In N.Z. Netball Team

Four of Canterbury’s five trialists have been selected in the New Zealand women’s netball team to play in the third world tournament, at Jamaica, in December this year.

The 10 New Zealand players chosen from 21 trialists, are: Mrs J. Harnett (Canterbury), captain; Miss T. Vercoe (Rotorua), vice-captain; Miss S. Langrope, Miss S. Norman, Miss B. Walker (Canterbury); Mrs C. Palmer, Mrs F. Wiringi (Rotorua); Mrs O. McKay, Mrs N. King (Wellington); Mrs L. Mair (Hutt Valley).

The fifth Canterbury trialist, Mrs S. Rogers, wrenched an ankle in a warm-up before the first trial, and damaged it again on Saturday afternoon She was unable to take part in yesterday’s trials at Hagley Courts. This was unfortunate, as Hie position of goal-keep was wide open. The selectors—Mrs T. Jamison (Rotorua), Mrs J. Mariu (Auckland) and Miss H. A. Yates (Canterbury)—named only three surprise selections in the team: Mrs Mair, Mrs Palmer, and Miss Vercoe. Outstanding Defences There were only two outstanding defences in the two days of trials—Miss Walker and Mrs King. Neither Miss Vercoe nor Mrs Mair showed the form expected in a New Zealand team.

Mrs Mair was probably chosen for her versatility in defence positions, and her consistency in effort. She was an excellent mover during the trials, combining well with other players, but lacked the speed and sense of timing to take frequent interceptions. Miss Vercoe was disappointing in that she showed none of her old brilliance. Her combination play was sound and her ball-handling good, but she lacked speed and alertness in defence. However, her experience and past form must have earned her selection.

Mrs Palmer probably gained selection because there was no outstanding wing defence. Miss Langrope,

who is best on attack, was put to wing defence to play in a position no other player could fill better. But in the final match of the trials, with Mrs Palmer at centre, Miss Langrope was wasted on defence. Mrs Palmer appeared not to have the ability to combine the defence and attacking thirds from the centre position. But she is extremely agile and fit, with excellent hands, and may mould into a outstanding player on tour. New Zealand is the present world champion in netball—and this team, with an exceptionally strong attack, should win again. There are four new “caps” in the team: Mesdames McKay, Mair, Palmer, and Miss Norman. Mrs McKay played first-class netball throughout the trials. She is best at wing attack, where her speed and

ability to see an opening in the circle will be invaluable. Her play was consistent, and her performance equally good no matter whom she partnered.

Miss Norman joins one of the strongest attacking lineups New Zealand has had. With Mrs Harnett and Mrs Wiringi she is able to fill both the attack and shooting positions equally well. If one player is off form, the other two can be counted on to play their best. The choice of Mrs Harnett and Miss Vercoe as captain and vice-captain is sound. Both have a wealth of experience, and because they play at opposite ends of the court can control the whole movement of the match. Unlucky Player

Miss L. Hauraki (Auckland) was unlucky not to gain one of the centre-court positions. She played soundly on attack throughout the trials, and though unaccustomed to wing defence acquitted herself well. Mrs B. Donovan (Auckland) developed steadily, and had she shown her true form earlier njay well have gained selection. She was one of the few centre players with a good sense of court Play.

Miss D. Warnock (Otago) filled the three defence positions with strength and determination. She was not a brilliant player, and was perhaps lacking in speed, but her natural bent to defensive play may well earn her future selection.