Netball: Silver Ferns squad named for Games

Adine Wilson

Four members of the New Zealand netball team named today for the Commonwealth Games have the opportunity to avenge their disappointment of three years ago.

A predictable 12-strong Silver Ferns squad selected for the Games in Melbourne in March contains a quartet of players who lost the 2002 Games final in England to Australia.

Adine Wilson will captain a team containing Irene van Dyk, Belinda Colling, Anna Rowberry and Vilimaina Davu from the 2002 Commonwealth Games team.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) in conjunction with Netball New Zealand today confirmed the players to compete in Melbourne, with coach Ruth Aitken retaining the side who comprehensively beat Australia, Jamaica and Barbados in recent weeks.

Rowberry and Colling were also in the team who won a silver medal at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur. Australia won the gold medal in both 1998 and 2002.

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

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

NZOC secretary general Barry Maister believes a very strong Silver Ferns have been named.

"This group has shown real quality in the way they've gone about their business this season.

"There is a good mix of experience and youth in this side and I feel confident they will perform to the very best of their ability in Melbourne."

New Zealand Commonwealth Games netball team: Belinda Colling, Vilimaina Davu, Leana de Bruin, Temepara George (vice-captain), Laura Langman, Anna Rowberry, Anna Scarlett, Jodi Te Huna, Maria Tutaia, Irene van Dyk, Casey Williams, Adine Wilson (captain).

- NZPA