Netball: Diamonds look to profit from Davis

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Nicky Read is not surprised that her Jamaican goal-shoot Elaine Davis has been targeted by defences in the opening rounds of netball's national league.

But the Diamonds' captain is hoping her team can make better use of the space left begging in the attacking third of the court.

"If Elaine attracts two defenders - and that is no surprise - then we have to work hard to make the most of the other options that creates," said Read, who leads her team into a crucial fourth-round Coca-Cola Cup match at Papatoetoe's Allan Brewster Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

"I believe we have the skills to do that. With our goal-attack left running free there have to be attacking options."

Disappointed with last week's 41-52 away loss to the Force, Read said tomorrow's game was vital in the chase for early points.

While losing was bad enough, she was even more disappointed they did not collect a bonus point by staying within five points.

"The competition promises to be very close," she said. "The lesser teams are all capable of beating the so-called top sides so every point is vital.

"While we obviously go out to win every game, when we get to the stage where we can see that might not happen, we must chase the bonus point. Three losses could count you out."

In other games tomorrow, the Force play the Rebels on the North Shore, the Magic are at home in Hamilton to the Sting and the Shakers play the Flames in Wellington.

* In third round action last night, the Force were held to a 50-50 draw by the Flyers in Palmerston North. The Force had a 26-21 halftime lead.

Defending champions the Sting beat the Cometz 67-46 in Papatoetoe; the Rebels edged out the Shakers 72-68 while the Flames beat the Magic 57-41.