Netball: Shooters get the glory but defenders win the games

Magic coach Noeline Taurua believes defence is having a strong influence on National Bank Cup results.

In last weekend's round, the Force's lack of defence cost them their match against the Diamonds; the Flames' heavy defence kept them in the game against Taurua's Magic (best indicated by Irene van Dyk's uncharacteristic 77 per cent shooting record); and the Shakers defence pounced on a Flyers team who froze in the final stages.

Taurua's team also had to battle against the Shakers defence the week before.

"I know defensively the Flames were really strong. Looking at the Diamonds and Force game, the Diamonds were defensively strong but I don't think the Force were and they usually are, that is usually their forte which is interesting."

She doesn't think the improvement in defence is a direct result of three of the franchise teams being coached by former New Zealand defenders Tanya Dearns (Flyers), Waimarama Taumaunu (Shakers) and Yvonne Willering (Force).

Although Taurua admits defence is crucial, being able to capitalise on "bonus" ball is essential.

"Even though the Force were getting some ball defensively it wasn't going in. You have to be able to bring the ball down the court when you make those gains and put it through the hole."

Taurua says she is happy with her side's performance against the Flames last weekend and is hoping they can carry that momentum into tonight's game against the bottom-placed Flyers.

"I intend to start strongly but I also see it as an opportunity to give others court time. Whether that happens or not I don't know."

She is pleased with the progress of goal attack Tanya Lund, who with Kiri Adams, has filled the hole left by Anna Senio.

"Tanya took a lot of pressure off Irene [van Dyk] last week and shot 27 goals from a variety of distances. Her shooting is very strong for us."

Round four

Tonight: Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic v Western Flyers, Rotorua, 7.30pm.

Tomorrow: Otago Rebels v Canterbury Flames, Dunedin, 4pm, live TV One.

Sunday: Capital Shakers v Auckland/Waitakere Diamonds, Wellington, Northern Force v Southern Sting, North Shore Events Centre live TV One - both 1pm.