Netball: Keas aware of destiny but defiant amid wins

Erin Gladstone.

It'll be neither here nor there for the promotion/relegation Super6 contenders but they'll still come out with hammer and tongs against the last-placed incumbents.

According to Heather Wilkie, the coach of top-placed seniors HHSOG Steve Jude Motors Keas, even if they beat the losers of the Central Sports v Havelock North Kauri playing tomorrow they will likely suffer the same fate on gaining promotion to Super 6.

"We need a smaller top tier and a bigger intermediate division," says Wilkie on account of Keas' undefeated status with yawning victories as well as matching season newcomers Kauri and Central in the grading tourney.

Keas have thrashed their senior opponents to the tune of 20-plus goals and whipped second-placed Outkast Evolution Fitness by 35 goals last Saturday.

"The gap in our grade is a big one," says Wilkie after a narrow loss to Kauri in the grading tourney.

"I don't think we're amazingly better ... but if we win it'll put our club in good stead."

She singles out GA/GS Jaicee Reed for her commitment as well the input of midcourters Erin Gladstone and Natalie Corbett who intitiate the cohesiveness that has led to the ensuing combinations.

But Keas comprise predominantly non-training mothers and women with pressing commitments.

"They are very fit and level headed so they gel very well," says Wilkie.

Alas even if they make it to the top echelons the mother ship, HHSOG Huias, will dip into the talent pool of HHSOG Spicers Kereru, teenagers earmarked to assume the Super 6 mantle although they sit fourth among seniors.