Netball: Good therapy for the Force

By Sarah Nealon


Eight years experience as an occupational therapist has helped Northern Force netball coach Alison Wieringa to get the best from her players.

Wieringa, whose team is third equal with the Canterbury Flames in the Coca-Cola Cup, said her years of working as a therapist from 1983 to 1991 have taught her how to motivate her side.

"I learnt how to help people to help themselves," she said. "It's like coaching because you have to know how to work with individuals and see what works well for them."

The 36-year-old who is new to the national netball league, began her coaching career twenty years ago at Matamata College.

"Our school was really strong on netball. They encouraged those of us who played to teach others," she said.

Tonight the Force clash with the Otago Rebels in Dunedin. The Rebels are at the top of the points table and have lost only one game.

Further North, the Canterbury Flames, who won their last game by a whopping 14 points, take on the Magic at Christchurch.

Armed with shooting star, Janine Topia, the Cometz play the giant-killing Western Flyers at Wanganui.

While up in Auckland, the unpredictable Auckland Diamonds meet Lois Muir's Shakers. The Wellington team will be minus Silver Fern Julie Seymour, who has been sidelined with a knee injury.