Netball: Oh baby, time for young Diamonds to step up

Diamonds coach Sue Hawkins is relying on her younger players to step up for the remainder of the National Bank Cup starting with tomorrow's game against the Force.

Although the Diamonds have lost three experienced players in the last month through pregnancy (Kathryn Harby-Williams, Rachel Rasmussen and Anna Rowberry) they still have strength in each third of the court.

The key will be whether the likes of young Silver Fern Maria Tutaia, shooter Grace Rasmussen and midcourter Rawinia Everitt rise to the challenge.

"It is about them stepping up and saying, 'It is up to me now, I am the player on court'," Hawkins said. "I have a lot of faith in them."

Traditionally the crosstown battles between the Diamonds and the Force have been close.

The Force have won the last five encounters, their biggest win being 56-45 in 2002.

Tomorrow's game will provide some interesting matchups.

The Diamonds' circle defence of Anna Scarlett and Stephanie Bond will be a challenge for the Force shooters whether they be Catherine Latu and Megan Dehn, or Latu and Daneka Wipiiti.

At the other end of the court the Diamonds shooters will have to grapple with Leana de Bruin and Lorna Suafoa. In the midcourt Victoria Edward will head the Diamonds and Temepara George the Force.

In today's match the Southern Sting should pick up their second win in the competition against the Otago Rebels.

Last weekend the Sting welcomed back Tania Dalton, who missed the opening round with an ankle injury, and she delivered a 100 per cent shooting record netting 33 goals from 33 attempts.

In comparison the Rebels shooters had a woeful game against the Diamonds with a 55 per cent record.

Round Three

Today: Southern Sting v Otago Rebels, Palmerston North 4pm.

Tomorrow: Northern Force v Diamonds, North Shore Events Centre, 1pm, live TV One.