Netball: Henry to miss crucial Mystics clash

Joline Henry. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Northern Mystics will again embark on a trip across the Tasman today without one of their most experienced stars.

Joline Henry will miss Monday's crucial transtasman league clash against the West Coast Fever in Perth after reinjuring her ankle in Thursday night's 13-goal win over the Canterbury Tactix.

The Silver Fern midcourter was on track to play her first full game since she injured her ankle in their round two win over the Central Pulse. But Henry was forced from the court early in the fourth period after tripping and rolling her ankle.

The Mystics have decided not to take Henry to Perth, worrying the seven-hour flight will further hinder the 28-year-old's recovery.

Mystics assistant coach Jenny-May Coffin, who will take over the head coaching role in Perth as Debbie Fuller is unable to travel with her newborn baby, said the loss of a player of Henry's experience was a huge setback for her side. However she was confident the Mystics had the depth to cope with the loss.

"Even though having her experience on the bench would be invaluable, we've got to think long-term and it's not worth putting her on a plane for seven hours," said Coffin.

"It's a blow for us, although we have had to cope without her for several weeks already this season."

Mystics development player Portia Woodman has been called into the squad for Monday night's clash, but Henry's starting wing defence spot will likely go to 19-year-old Kayla Cullen, who has flourished with regular court time this season.

Coffin said Thursday night's game against the Tactix had thrown out their preparation for the clash against the Fever, which the Auckland side must win if they are to remain in the top four.

They had not factored in having to play the Tactix before flying out to Perth as the match was supposed to have been played in round three, but was postponed after the Christchurch earthquake.

The tight turnaround between games and the tough travel schedule may force Coffin to use her bench more than she otherwise would have.

"We've done as best we can to prepare them for this next leg in Perth," she said.

"I've caught up with a couple of girls today who are a little sore after last night - they're okay, but after a seven hour flight it might be a different story. So we'll see how they train once we're over there. The case may be we will have to use the bench, but that's okay, we're confident in our depth."

But if the Mystics are feeling hard done by about their tight turnaround, they should spare a thought for the Tactix, who will today play their fourth game in nine days.

The Cantabrians will meet the Steel in Dunedin today eager to repeat last week's heroics when they recorded a shock win over the Southland side - the Tactix' first of the season.

In tomorrow's games the Melbourne Vixens take on Adelaide Thunderbirds, while the table-topping Queensland Firebirds should have no problems keeping their unbeaten record intact against the Pulse in Porirua.

ANZ Championship
* Today: 4.20pm Southern Steel v Canterbury Tactix, Dunedin.
* Tomorrow: 4.20pm Melbourne Vixens v Adelaide Thunderbirds, Melbourne; 6.20pm Central Pulse v Queensland Firebirds, Porirua.
* Monday: 7.40pm Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic v NSW Swifts, Tauranga; 9.40pm West Coast Fever v Northern Mystics, Perth.