Netball: Ferns now aiming for consistency

Silver Fern Joline Henry in action against the Australian Diamonds at Vector Arena in Auckland. Photo / Richard Robinson

Just when things were starting to look grim for the Silver Ferns' Commonwealth Games chances next year, they pull out one of their best performances against Australia in years.

The Ferns' convincing win on Wednesday was reminiscent of their 25-goal demolition of the Diamonds in October 2005.

Coincidentally, that match four years ago saw super-shooter Irene van Dyk become the world's most capped netballer. On Wednesday night she racked up another milestone, playing her centennial test for New Zealand.

But the Ferns' most recent win was all the more remarkable for it was against the backdrop of three straight defeats to Australia.

Staring down the barrel of their worst season in recent memory, the Ferns' backs were against the wall heading in to Wednesday night's final test in Auckland.

Up until that point the New Zealand team appeared to be progressing along slowly. There was a sense they were there or thereabouts, but just couldn't seem to produce a consistent, full-court performance.

The pressure was mounting for them to do so this week and Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken was delighted with the way her side responded.

"It's been one month since that first game against the worlds and the growth in the team and the development has been fantastic. We had to keep backing ourselves that we were on the right path, we just weren't quite getting there."

Aitken said the challenge for her side now was to produce that type of performance consistently.

"I think we'll take huge heart from that. But it's only one performance and certainly for us consistency is something we strive for. We want to be able to produce a game like that every time we go out there."

The Ferns will get a chance to further build on that development next month, when they head to the UK for the World Series in Manchester, to be followed by a one-off test against a dangerous England side in Bath.

The Ferns will then stop over in the Caribbean on the way home for two tests against Jamaica. The national selectors today name a squad of 15 for the tour.

After a busy month the Ferns have just one week off before departing for the UK next Friday.

For some of the key figures in the squad player burnout is a very real concern, but Aitken said taking a squad of 15 will allow her to manage workloads in the team.

It is likely the squad for the end of year tour will include the current 12-strong test line-up, along with midcourter Liana Barrett-Chase.