Netball: Small gains make for big pay day as crucial series looms

Little changes for big differences are the key between a disappointing Silver Ferns side and a competitive one, according to wing defender Laura Langman.

Last night the Silver Ferns were a much stronger defensive unit all over the court, causing the turnovers instead of making them as was the case in the opening two games against the World 7 team.

"We worked pretty hard as a defensive unit over the whole week and it paid off tonight," said Langman. "I think our defensive stances were a lot stronger. We were stronger in our bodies, had our feet under our bodies and were able to take our feet through to ball.

"We were caught in the past two tests lunging at ball and bringing the umpires into the game. Defensively, there were seven of us out there tonight. These are little changes but that's the type of detail required."

The statistics support Langman. Overall the Silver Ferns took 13 intercepts, with captain Casey Williams making four of those and Langman and fellow defender Joline Herny accounting for two apiece. Williams also fired with 13 deflections and Langman added another five.

The win last night and the positive rebound from two disappointing losses was encouraging for coach Ruth Aitken with the side now heading into a series against the world champions Australia.

"It's not perfect yet, there were times when we hesitated or when we tried to slow it down and we went in to slow motion," Aitken said. "(But) it was great to see the team playing properly. "I thought tonight everyone who was out there did some really good things. We're still looking at the consistency of four quarters, that has eluded us still, but I thought there were some stunning passages of play (tonight)."

It's been a baptism of fire for Williams in her first series as Silver Fern captain. Despite taking losing personally and having to withstand a barrage of criticism this week, the 24-year-old held fast. "Yeah, I don't like losing at all but, being being a leader of the group you are human and can show frustration, but you have to stay on top of your game to lead from the front," she said.

"Captain is just a name given to me. I'm out there to play the game and be part of the team and to play with passion."

Preparation now turns to the series against Australia this week. Aitken and her troops will want to continue to improve on the little things to make a big difference.