Netball: Silver Ferns hits New Zealand Under 21s to prepare for the final against New Zealand Men

Silver ferns 81
New Zealand U21 33

In one of the last chances for players to impress coach Dame Noeline Taurua and solidify their place in the black dress, the Silver Ferns have scored a massive 81-33 victory over the New Zealand Under-21s.

Tonight’s game was the last free-for-all match of the warm-up series before next week’s Taini Jamison Trophy against England. The Ferns face the New Zealand men in the final tomorrow night.

With Captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Te Paea Selby-Rickit rested from handling the load, the young shooters for the Ferns benefited from extra time on the floor to prove themselves. Maia Wilson and Monica Falkner were the first before Grace Nweke, 18, took the court from the second quarter, and all three had decent performances under the rim.

After an already one-sided first quarter in their favor, the Silver Ferns dominated the NZ Under 21s to win the second 25-6 and take a massive 29-goal lead at halftime.

Shooters under 21 Hannah Glen and Khiarna Williams were accurate in the circle, but the lack of the ball made their scoring opportunities slim. His efforts were not facilitated by defensive pressure from Karin Burger and Sulu Fitzpatrick, who caught three interceptions.

He continued in that vein for the NZ Under 21s in the second half as the Ferns continued with a quick and clinical netball, a step above what they put up against New Zealand A in their opener on Wednesday.

Jane Watson and Kelly Jury had one run at defensive end, Jury collected two interceptions in his short time on the floor.

The Under 21s continued to fight in all areas against the world champions, but nonetheless, they would have found the showdown invaluable in their preparation for the postponed Netball Youth World Cup next year.

Previously, New Zealand men continued their unbeaten streak with an equally impressive 60-37 victory over New Zealand A.

The Silver Ferns will face the New Zealand Men in the final tomorrow night at 8pm, after the New Zealanders U21 face New Zealand A for third place at 6pm.