A classic mate-against-mate showdown is looming for Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel co-captains Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit and Gina Crampton tomorrow.
The duo will go head-to-head in the coaching ranks at the helm of the two teams contesting an exhibition match before the ANZ Premiership Grand Final at ILT Stadium Southland.
Selby-Rickit’s Blue Cods – aptly named to reflect her fondness for the southern catch – will take on Crampton’s Pink Panthers in the quest for ultimate bragging rights.
“As athletes we’re naturally competitive and, while there’s an element of fun involved here, I’m sure this game will be no exception,” Selby-Rickit said.“Bragging rights are a highly sought after prize in the Steel team so I’m expecting Gina to unleash her best coaching tactics. But I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve as well.”
Players set to line up for the match include their Steel team-mates, several elite men’s representatives and members of Netball South’s Beko team, the Southern Blast.
Adding an exciting new dynamic, the clash will see the introduction of a two-point goal and will be played over four 10-minute quarters.
Towering New Zealand Men’s Development team goal shoot Sam Dixon will spearhead the Blue Cod’s attack, while former New Zealand U23 shooter Ben Fokkens forms a potentially formidable partnership with Steel international Kalifa McCollin, from Trinidad and Tobago.
Expect experienced campaigners Logan Simpson (NZ Mens development team 2019 and husband of international umpire Kristie Simpson), Rohan Jarvis and Jared Stark to feature strongly in the mix, alongside young guns the calibre of Kate Hartley, who earned for first Steel cap during round nine of the ANZ Premiership.
Steel defender Abby Erwood reunites with her twin sister Sophie, a talented attacker, for the Blue Cods.
Reflecting their sporting prowess, Panthers midcourter Ella Brown is also a member of the Otago Sparks cricket team, while her Blue Cods counterpart Meg Sycamore was a 2019 NZ Warriors NRL touch premiership player.
Defender Annabel Angland boasts some unique skills from the wine-making trade and was named Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year recently.
Televised live on Sky Sport 3 from 5pm, the exhibition match will be played at 5.05pm before the The Good Oil Tactix take on the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse to determine this year’s ANZ Premiership victors.
Blue Cods: Kendall Corkery (captain), Sam Dixon, Abby Erwood, Sophie Erwood, Kate Heffernan, Rohan Jarvis, Justin Lobb, Kiana Pelasio, Lauren Pickett, Byron Sanders, Jared Stark, Meg Sycamore.
Coach: Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit
Assistant coach: Lauren Piebenga
Pink Panthers: Annabel Angland, Ella Brown, Taneisha Fifita, Ben Fokkens, Kate Hartley, Connor Ketchen, Kalifa McCollin (captain), Holly Munro, Shannon Saunders, Logan Simpson, Georgia White.
Coach: Gina Crampton
Assistant coach: Reinga Bloxham