Netball: Flyers go for youth

The Flyers will again be without any big names in the National Bank Cup next year.

The squads (see link below) for the 2006 cup were released by Netball New Zealand last night.

While the Flyers, as in this year's competition, had failed to attract any big names, they have a familiar look, with their young players more experienced after playing for various representative teams.

Among them are New Zealand Under 21 players Kiley Hikawai and Charlotte Kight and NZ A's Erika Burgess.

The Capital Shakers have gained New Zealand under-21 player Emma McGeorge from the Otago Rebels.

The Canterbury Flames will have the services of former Silver Fern Julie Seymour.

The former Silver Ferns captain was set to step back on court at last month's national championship in Dunedin but suffered an injury at Canterbury's final trial.

Silver Fern Belinda Colling is yet to make a decision on her netballing future.

Colling missed the competition this year while in Scotland but has returned to the sport at the highest level with her inclusion in the Silver Ferns.

The Rebels have plenty of new faces.

Veterans Angela Mitchell and Debbie White return, with regular starters Dana Bond, Phillipa Duncan and Frances Jackways back for another season.

New Zealand A player Debbie Hill and Anna Molineaux are the only other survivors.

The crucial losses from last season are Silver Ferns defender Anna Scarlett, who will play for the Auckland Diamonds, and Katie Ritchie, who, after signing with the Rebels for 2006, sought a release due to work commitments.

Coming into the squad are Silver Ferns triallist Jessica Tuki (shooter) and New Zealand A player Katrina Grant (defender).

Other signings Hannah Broederlaw, Meagan Grey, Amber Kersten, Aliesha Rowlands and Lizzie Sandon are all relatively inexperienced and unproven.

- NZPA