Netball: Pregnant Scanlan out of reckoning

Former Silver Fern Sheryl Scanlan is pregnant, ruling her out of contention for the Commonwealth Games side named today and next year's National Bank Cup.

Scanlan and her husband, Malcolm, are expecting their first child in early June.

"Becoming pregnant is very exciting but you always have at the back of your mind that opportunities were there," Scanlan said.

"But my feelings of becoming a mum have taken over. I had the opportunity to go to the last Commonwealth Games and I know that the team that goes will do very well."

It is difficult to go past the group who scored a record 25-goal win against Australia last month and then bowled over Jamaica and Barbados. But there is some concern about a lack of back-up in the wing defence position.

Although Anna Scarlett has proved she is capable, there was the possibility the New Zealand selectors would recall the stronger, punchier Scanlan.

She has played more than 40 games for New Zealand but was dropped from the Silver Ferns after the England series in March.

Scanlan offers a different defensive style to the likes of Scarlett, Leana de Bruin and Casey Williams and was a key part of the Silver Ferns' world championship win over Australia in 2003.

New Zealand have a wealth of defensive talent, with Joline Henry also in the mix, but Scanlan, 28, does not see this as the end of her career.

"After the baby is born, I would like to get back with Netball North Harbour and franchise netball. I don't want to end my career internationally yet. We'll see how it goes with the baby first."

For Force coach Yvonne Willering, Scanlan's withdrawal is a blow.

"I am pleased for Sheryl, obviously, but am sad to be losing her," Willering said. "She has been with us for a very long time."

Possible NZ team

Irene van Dyk, Jodi Te Huna, Maria Tutaia, Belinda Colling, Anna Rowberry, Adine Wilson, Temepara George, Laura Langman, Anna Scarlett, Casey Williams, Vilimaina Davu, Leana de Bruin.