WNC 2011

World Netball Championships Preview – New Zealand

Head Coach: Ruth Aitken
Star Player:  Irene van Dyk
One to watch: Katrina Grant
World Ranking: 1

New Zealand are riding the crest of a wave at the moment. 2010 Commonwealth Games Champions, 2010 Fastnet Champions and victories over England and Australia in 2011. The Silver Ferns are only missing a World Championship gold from their trophy cabinet; they will feel more than most that this is their year.

Leading the line in the attacking circle will be the ever dependant and evergreen Irene van Dyk. The impossibly athletic GS has had a glittering career, which already includes a World Championships gold from 2003, and is as determined as ever to help her adopted country secure more success.

At the other end of the court is the ever reliable captain Casey Williams and her defensive partner Katrina Grant. The combination between these two could prove to be the key in stopping world class shooters such as Pamela Cookey, Romelda Aiken and Catherine Cox. Grant in particular has blossomed from the partnership and has now taken on the added responsibility of captaining her ANZ side, Central Pulse. As long as the mid-court continues to provide feeds to the circle and restrict movement of the opposition, New Zealand look in a healthy position.

The only negative for the Silver Ferns was that Cathrine Latu was refused the chance to represent the team after a ruling with the Court of Arbitration for Sport went against them. Latu had turned out for Samoa at the 2007 World Champs and was hoping to switch allegiance to New Zealand this time round after a fantastic season in the ANZ. Aside from this, the preparations for the team would have deemed a success and it now depends on how they perform in Singapore. With each of the top four nations securing victories over one another in recent times, it would be a brave character who predicts the outcome of this tournament but one for is for sure; if New Zealand do go down, it won’t be easy.

World Netball Championships Preview – Jamaica

Head Coach: Oberon Pitterson
Star Player: Romelda Aiken

One to watch: Jhaniele Fowler

World Ranking: 4

The Sunshine Girls will be heading to Singapore in high spirits after defeating England 2 – 1 in a recent Test Series in the Caribbean. In doing so they very nearly stole the 3rd place spot in the world rankings from their opponents and they will be hoping that a long run in this competition will produce an even better outcome.

In last year’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Jamaica were convincingly beaten by England and had to settle for fourth place. They have continued to progress since then and having recently drawn a series with Australia they will have firm self-belief in a one off match against any team in the world.

Oberon Pitterson’s team will welcome back Romelda Aiken from her stint in the ANZ Championship and the classy shooter should slot straight back into the starting 7. Aiken was the leading scorer in the ANZ and helped the Queensland Firebirds to a first title; becoming the only side to complete a season unbeaten in the history of the competition. Aiken may well be joined in the circle by up and coming shooter Jhaniele Fowler who indicated her promise and ability in the matches against England. The 21 year-old really came to prominence earlier in the year when she netted 53 out of 55 goals in a match against Sue Hawkins side.

The ladies from the Caribbean have been the nemesis of England in recent World Championships, securing a win by a single point to steal bronze in the 2007 tournament in New Zealand. If the tournament progresses according to world rankings, England would meet Jamaica in the 3rd/4th place play-off but both coaches would be thinking that this may well prove to be a showcase final.

World Netball Championships Preview – Australia

Head Coach: Norma Plummer
Star Player: Natalie von Bertouch
One to watch: Chelsea Pitman

World Ranking: 2

The Aussie Diamonds have had a tricky year that has seen them drop to second in the world rankings and lose out in a memorable final at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Their conquerors on that day were New Zealand and they will be looking for revenge in Singapore.

Injuries have also played a part in a troublesome build up for the Australian with Sharelle McMahon and Lauren Nourse having to withdraw from the travelling party. This means that there are a few inexperienced faces in the squad. As ever with Australia, this shouldn’t be seen as a sign of weakness. One of these players is Chelsea Pitman, the Queensland Firebirds attacker. Pitman was recognised for her fantastic consistency with a nomination for the Best Young Player award in the ANZ, and this was obviously noticed by the selectors as she was then handed a call up to the touring party in a recent series against New Zealand.

The 23 year-old started in both Tests as the fierce rivals played out a 1 – 1 draw in the Series. This was an opportunity to get some match practice ahead of the Championships and both teams will have taken confidence from those matches and will have the belief that they can carry away the title in a little over a fortnight.

The previous World Championships were held in Auckland and it was the Diamonds who secured a four goal victory over the Silver Ferns in the Final and the rivalry is set to continue in the Far East, although England and Jamaica will be looking to upset the odds.