Netball: Teenage sensation is hungry for more

At 19, Laura Langman has won the national championship and enjoyed victory over Australia. Picture / Dean Purcell

She's feeling as fresh as a daisy, declares exuberant New Zealand under-21 captain Laura Langman.

Having won the National Bank Cup with the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and knocked over Australia in that bruising encounter last month, Langman could be forgiven for feeling a little weary.

But heck no, if swimming was the only means by which Langman could get to Fort Lauderdale, the location of the World Youth Cup, she would have had her togs on and been halfway there now, such is her enthusiasm.

Langman, 19, will lead the New Zealand under-21 side in the 10-day tournament starting on Thursday.

Like the Silver Ferns, the national under-21 side have always been competitive at the world championships.

And like the Silver Ferns before the last world championships, it has been a long time between drinks.

The under-21s last tasted world championship success in 1992.

With 19 other teams competing, New Zealand's toughest competition is expected to come from Australia, Jamaica and England - teams New Zealand tackled on their tour of Jamaica and the US in February.

On that tour New Zealand narrowly beat Australia and England, and edged out Jamaica in a three-test series 2-1.

Jamaica, Langman said, have great elevation, "the height they can jump to is just amazing, so their play is very aerial and they will do anything to get the ball".

"Australia are very fast and also have good elevation, while England have a strong shooting combination and have a bit of height in defence."

As for her own side, Langman said they were a close unit which she hoped would be made apparent in their links through court.

She also reckoned the fact that the side boasted three Silver Ferns - herself, shooter Maria Tutaia and defender Casey Williams - could come in handy.

"That little bit of experience may be beneficial when it comes to those crunch times.

"Hopefully, what we learnt in the Silver Ferns we can pass on to those in this team."

New Zealand are formidable throughout the court, but are particularly potent on defence, with the player of the National Bank Cup final, Williams, and Aucklander Rachel Rasmussen, the only player remaining from the 2000 team who finished third.

The shooting end is spearheaded by Tutaia, with National Bank Cup players Jessica Tuki, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickett, Grace Rasmussen and Anna Thompson also in the mix.

Langman is joined in the mid-court by Wendy Telfer and Liana Barrett-Chase.

As captain of the side, Langman concedes her troops do not require a lot of marshalling.

"It is an honour to represent your country at any level, but to lead them is something else," she said.

For Langman, the tournament follows what has been a special six months. She made her debut for New Zealand against England in March, and won the National Bank Cup and started against and beat Australia last month.

"I think I have been placed in some fortunate positions and some awesome teams," a diplomatic Langman said.

"I have loved every minute of it. It is not every day you get to play against and beat Australia."

Off the court, Langman is a typical 19-year-old grappling with university studies and hanging out for the next shopping venture.

On court she has the poise and maturity of a more experienced player.

Starting against Australia at wing defence in place of veteran Lesley Rumball, she slotted in like she was playing in her 40th test rather than her fourth, despite the slugfest on court and the vocal 12,000 crowd.

"It was definitely one of the most competitive games I have played in. When you are playing the game you don't realise how physical it is," she said.

"It is not until you watch it on video that you think, 'wow it was tough out there'.

"Playing at that level is the pinnacle of netball.

"It was definitely one of my highlights so far."

While starting may have come as a surprise to her, it didn't to the rest of the netball world. Even Australian coach Norma Plummerpicked it.

"It was totally out of left-field, but having had a wee taste of it makes me want to have so much more."

She certainly hopes the next highlight will come in a few days.

Fort Lauderdale isn't exactly the netball capital of the world, but Langman said that during their last visit there the locals were supportive and keen to learn about the game.

"I can't wait to get over there," she said.

"I am feeling really good and we are more than ready."

* Laura Langman

Born: Waikato, April 16, 1986
Height: 1.73m
Positions: WD, C
Occupation: Student
Career highlights -
2004/05: Silver Ferns, New Zealand under-21 squad.
2003-05: Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic.
2003-04: Waikato NPC side.