Netball: Injured Cox determined to play out last season

By Sarah Nealon

Not even a broken foot can stop Tanya Cox from playing in the national netball league.

One of the most experienced players of the Coca-Cola Cup, the Capital Shakers goal keep injured her foot several weeks ago and has refused to take on the role of spectator.

"I had one game off, but my specialist told me to go on my instincts," said the towering 32-year-old. "It isn't that painful to play on."

However, team-mate and Silver Fern Julie Seymour has been sidelined for the rest of the cup with a knee injury.

Despite Cox's commitment to the sport, she plans to retire after this season.

"I'm old. I've had enough and I want a complete break. I don't think I want to coach either," she said.

"I coached the Wellington team in 1994-1995, but I think it was too soon for me. Next year I want to have some fun."

Cox started her netball career when she was nine years old and living in Hawkes Bay. She has represented the Western Bay of Plenty, Wellington and had two stints as a Silver Fern. The first was 1989-1993 and the second 1996-1998.

She has also dabbled in basketball and played professionally in Australia in 1987 and 1988.

Right now Cox is in charge of the sports department at a Wellington high school.

Before that she was sports secretary to Tourism Minister Murray McCully. She said netball had undergone some noticeable changes since the 1980s.

"It's a lot faster and there are more outside influences. There's also more of an emphasis on things like psychology, nutrition and fitness."

The Shakers are fifth on the points table and have only recently begun to find their form. Last weekend they ruined the Auckland Diamonds' chances of making the semi-finals and thrashed the Western Flyers by 15 points.

"We now have a settled combination," said Cox. "But I don't know if we'll make the semis. It's a long shot."

Tonight the Shakers clash with the Cometz at the Allan Brewster Stadium in Papatoetoe. The Wellington team then flies to Invercargill to meet the formidable Southern Sting on Sunday.

In other games tonight, the Force take on the Western Flyers at the North Shore Events Centre; the Diamonds play the Magic in Rotorua; and in Invercargill the Canterbury Flames take on the home side - the Southern Sting.