Four From Netball South In NZ U21 Squad
Netball South is strongly represented in the New Zealand U21 squad named by Netball New Zealand today. Defender Abby Erwood and shooters Jamie Hume, Jennifer O’Connell and Aliyah Dunn earned selection in the 17-strong group after impressing at an intensive four-day camp in Auckland over the weekend. The squad will form the basis of the team for Netball World Youth Cup Gaborone 2017 (NWYC2017), to be staged from July 8-16 next year. Netball South chief executive Lana Winders said the zone was incredibly proud of their achievements. “We’re very pleased to see our locally grown talent making this national squad,” she said. “It’s a reflection of how much stronger the investment is in our performance pathways for players, both at the national and regional level. “With competitions like the Beko Netball League being created, it’s putting our best talent into a position of experiencing a high performance environment and our southern girls are relishing the opportunity. “We had four players make it but we’re also incredibly proud of Sophie Erwood who also trialled. She recorded personal bests in her fitness testing which is testament to the hard work she put in. Sophie is certainly on our radar for future progression through the pathway.” NZ U21 coach Kiri Wills said the standard of play and skills during the camp made selections difficult. “Prior to camp I was looking forward to the new faces coming in and pushing for a spot in the squad – and that’s exactly what they did,” Wills said. “This was one of the hardest processes I’ve been through; the competition for places was tight and that’s a strong indication of the work being done by the Zones and Centres. “We have selected a squad that is robust, resilient and diverse in the skill set they bring – it’s an exciting mix and we are looking forward to the next stage of our campaign as we prepare to defend the title in Gaborone.” The NZ U21 team is the reigning world champion having defeated Australia, 52-47, in 2013. The final squad will be reduced to a team of 12 prior to NWYC2017. They have been drawn in Pool A against Sri Lanka, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Samoa.
* Denotes athletes whose selection is subject to fitness.
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