COVID-19

SILVER FERNS

Silver Ferns

The Silver Ferns started and ended 2020 in great spirit but the months in between provided a high degree of uncertainty as COVID-19 looked set to potentially squash hopes of a full international Netball programme.

Nations Cup

Silver Ferns vs England / Jamaica / South Africa Looking to build on their status as world champions, the Silver Ferns highlighted the start of a new era in exemplary fashion when they headed off to the inaugural Netball Nations Cup in January.

Following their stunning win in the 2019 Netball World Cup, the Silver Ferns were without four of their stalwarts for the Nations Cup which included England, Jamaica and South Africa in a heavyweight contest between the world’s second, third, fourth and fifth-ranked teams.

Without the experienced Laura Langman and Katrina Rore (on sabbatical leave) and the retired Casey Kopua and Maria Folau, there was a sense of the unknown when the Silver Ferns ventured to the UK minus 562 Test caps.

However, the new-look Silver Ferns team, which was reduced to just 10 players for the tournament after defender Michaela Sokolich-Beatson and shooter Bailey Mes were left sidelined by injury, delivered plenty of positive signs from their successful campaign.

Ameliaranne Ekenasio revelled in her new role as captain, shooter Maia Wilson and midcourters Whitney Souness and Kimiora Poi made telling use of their opportunities while overall the team responded with suitable poise to all the variables thrown their way to go through the series unbeaten. This included a serious challenge in the final against a rejuvenated Jamaica to which the Silver Ferns responded like seasoned veterans. The growing maturity of Maia was an individual highlight of the tournament, gaining two player of the match performances. This included the final, where she played her first full match for the Silver Ferns while also posting her highest goal tally of 44, to surpass the 42 she scored against Jamaica in the round robin.

With a depleted squad, the Silver Ferns coped admirably to set the stage for the remainder of what promised to be an exciting 2020.

That all changed in an instant when the COVID-19 pandemic left no one unscathed, a global shutdown putting all facets of life on hold. As New Zealand came out of lockdown, continued ongoing border restrictions and compromised international travel still conspired against any resumption of the international calendar. This resulted in the cancellation of the Netball Quad Series involving the Silver Ferns, Australian Diamonds, South Africa Proteas and England Roses, set to be played in New Zealand and Australia in September.

There remained a glimmer of hope that the Constellation Cup could be moved from October to later in the year but the annual series between the Silver Ferns and Australia proved unworkable and was rescheduled for early 2021.

Cadbury Netball Series

Silver Ferns vs NZ Men, NZA, NZU21 Keen to get some exposure and game time for the Silver Ferns, NNZ worked diligently behind the scenes, coming up with a winning formula that few were expecting.

In a showcase of New Zealand’s elite Netball talent, the public were afforded a rare treat when the Silver Ferns, New Zealand Men, a NZA team and the NZU21s faced each other in the first of the Cadbury Netball Series in Palmerston North in October to kick-start a bumper home season.

In a unique situation, NZA and the NZU21s joined the Silver Ferns in an intense and challenging camp prior to the series. Coach Dame Noeline Taurua left no stone unturned in her preparations of selecting the top 12 players across the board for the England series.

The Silver Ferns most capped player, Laura Langman, added her name to the retirement list, calling time on her distinguished career after playing a record 163 Tests in the black dress. After a new Silver Ferns squad was named in August, this series provided an important opportunity to start preparation towards future pinnacle events.

Featuring eight games over four days, the Palmerston North series was a huge success as New Zealand’s depth of talent shone brightly in closely-fought contests and high-quality exchanges. These matches acted as a trial in what proved to be the perfect environment for getting the best out of players.

Last year’s Cadbury Netball Series played a key role in the Silver Ferns World Cup preparations and the return of the NZ Men in 2020 was another inspiring decision for all involved.

With the 2020 Men’s Netball World Cup cancelled due to COVID-19, the NZ Men were thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase their unique skill set.

The NZU21 team couldn’t have wished for a better opportunity to help with preparations towards their pinnacle tournament, the 2021 Netball World Youth Cup in Fiji, while a talent-stacked NZA had the chance to push their credentials by providing a worthy challenge to their rivals.

Back to full fitness after rupturing her right achilles tendon in January, Silver Ferns squad member, defender Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, who was set to play for NZA, suffered the heartbreak of a similar injury to her left leg on the eve of the series.

The Silver Ferns mixed and matched their personnel and combinations throughout with changing matchday line-ups, giving all players equal opportunity while managing workloads.

Featuring highly-talented teenage shooter Grace Nweke* in the black dress for the first time, the Silver Ferns emerged from a tight first half before surging to a 59-44 win over NZA to open their campaign.

They followed this up with a 13-goal loss to NZ Men and an 81-33 win over the NZU21s to complete round-robin play. This resulted in a rematch for the Silver Ferns against the unbeaten NZ Men in the final, which produced an historic outcome, with the women rebounding in style to post a pulsating 55-52 win. Turning the tables, the Silver Ferns recorded their first-ever win over the NZ Men.

...the return of the New Zealand Men in 2020 was another inspiring decision for all involved.”

* These matches were not INF sanctioned – therefore no caps were earned.

Cadbury Netball Series – Taini Jamison Trophy

Silver Ferns vs England Roses After three demanding weeks where she had worked with over 40 high performance athletes, Dame Noeline Taurua settled on her 12 for the England series highlighted by the inclusion of shooter Monica Falkner.

Sidelined for 15 months after a serious knee injury, Monica had limited game time under her belt but was a stand-out during the Cadbury Netball Series. She was joined by a number of returnees who fought their way back into the Silver Ferns after impressive ANZ Premiership campaigns, including Sulu Fitzpatrick, Kelly Jury, Claire Kersten and Sam Winders.

In a very quick turnaround, the Silver Ferns were readying themselves to take on England in Hamilton in what were to be the first international matches to be played since the Nations Cup in January.

The three Tests were International Netball Federation (INF) sanctioned with players being awarded Test caps, but these did not count towards world ranking points because they were not umpired by INF appointed umpires.

There was plenty to admire from the England Roses, who faced a myriad of challenges in getting the series off the ground, however, they remained full of positivity and enthusiasm throughout.

Losing head coach Jess Thirlby on the eve of their departure from England to a positive COVID-19 test, the Roses then spent two weeks in managed isolation after arriving in New Zealand.

Excited to be out of their bubble and with little match play under their belts in the preceding months, the Roses played their part in a hugely competitive series which highlighted international Netball at its best.

Once again, the Silver Ferns gave all players opportunities as they continued to improve throughout the series. England proved worthy opponents with their resilience and ability to stay in the contest.

With Ameliaranne Ekenasio leading the team at home, the Silver Ferns completed a clean sweep to retain the much-cherished Taini Jamison Trophy after posting wins of 58-45, 54-47 and 62-47. Maia Wilson continued her impressive year and growing stature to equal her highest individual score of 44 goals in the third test while Monica became Silver Fern #176 when she made her debut in the second Test. The Silver Ferns completed the year with one last training camp, which provided a review of what had been accomplished but also with an eye on the future.

Fearing they might not have any play at all, the Silver Ferns were grateful to have the opportunity of getting on-court and taking part in two high-quality series. The work done during this time has proved invaluable in setting the standard and preparing for the future.

The Silver Ferns ended a tumultuous year well placed, their depth of talent and high expectations being a particularly strong feature and with it the hope of being able to make further impact in a less disruptive 2021.

Retirements

LAURA LANGMAN

Laura Langman // Silver Fern #133

The most capped Silver Fern in history, influential midcourter Laura Langman retired from her sparkling international career in August.

Laura’s growing list of accomplishments during an outstanding 163-Test career never showed any signs of slowing down.

One of just seven Silver Ferns centurions, Laura developed into a fine leader, with a hard-fought 2019 Netball World Cup title and back-to-back titles with the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the Australian competition in 2017 and 2018 adding to her legacy.

Laura was awarded the Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award in 2015, 2016 and 2019 at the New Zealand Netball Awards and became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2020 New Year’s Honours after playing an integral role in leading the Silver Ferns on their stunning ride to the Netball World Cup title.

Pushing to new boundaries was the hallmark of Laura’s exceptional career, the effervescent bundle of energy putting the stamp on her contribution as one of the game’s greats when winning a first world title after three previous unsuccessful attempts.

She became New Zealand’s first Netballer to surpass 150 Test caps in 2019. This included winning two Commonwealth Games gold medals with the Silver Ferns (2006 and 2010) and silver at the 2014 Games.

Showing a maturity beyond her years and a level of performance that set her apart, Laura became Silver Fern #133 in 2005, captaining the NZU21 team to the World Youth Cup title the same year in Florida, USA, before going on to fashion an enviable career.

The athletic and fleet-footed midcourter quickly became a striking presence in the Silver Ferns’ engine room. Her high standards, drive, preparation and ability to stay injury-free combined to produce an outstanding Netballer.

Laura’s athleticism and resolute neversay-never attitude often proved gamechanging. Held in high esteem, she went on to become one of the most influential and respected midcourters in world Netball.

Laura was blessed with dazzling speed and athletic ability, capable of playing all three midcourt positions. The supertalented athlete became renowned for her all-round talent on both attack and defence.

Showcasing her famed resilience and tenacious qualities, Laura clocked up an almost unthinkable run of 141 Tests, taking the court in every Silver Ferns Test in that time (2005-2016), a true mark of her qualities and character.

Following an 18 month break from international Netball, Laura, once again, gave an indication of her standing when making a seamless return to the Silver Ferns in 2018 while also assuming the captaincy. Having played just Club Netball in Hamilton during that time, it spoke volumes. As a no-fuss, get-on-with-the-job type of player, Laura’s DNA is the push behind the product. The midcourter became one of the best in the business and one of New Zealand’s finest.

Raised in the small farming community of Te Pahu in the heart of the Waikato, Laura always remained close to her rural values, transposing the backdrop of lush green pastures to gracing Netball courts in the finest stadiums around the world.

The midcourt stalwart has never accepted being second-best so has been resolute in honouring those who have come before in setting a new benchmark for those who will follow.

She became New Zealand’s first Netballer to surpass 150 Test caps...”

Retirements

MARIA FOLAU

Maria Folau // Silver Fern #134

After a long and decorated career with a 2019 Netball World Cup winner’s medal, celebrated shooter Maria Folau retired six months later as the second most capped Silver Fern in history.

The long-range specialist notched up her 150th Test cap – second only to Laura Langman in the all-time Silver Ferns standings – in the final of the drawn Constellation Cup series against Australia in Perth in late 2019 before calling time on a rich and rewarding career earlier this year.

An agonisingly long wait proved well worth it when a fourth Netball World Cup provided an overdue career highlight for the standout shooter.

When the Silver Ferns won the 2019 edition of the sport’s showpiece event in Liverpool, UK, it broke a 16-year drought for the Silver Ferns and, for Maria, a run of three straight silver medals from the previous three Netball World Cup championships.

Almost a permanent fixture since her debut 15 years ago, Maria well and truly stood the test of time as the Silver Ferns goto at the shooting end of the court.

Maria put the seal on her sparkling career with an elusive Netball World Cup gold medal in trademark fashion, showcasing her unflappable temperament, ability to keep the circle moving and, her speciality, the longrange bomb.

A game-changer, Maria became one of the most feared shooters in world Netball with her skill of being able to convert shots from all points of the circle. She went on to become a first-choice shooter for much of her remarkable career after making her debut in 2005.

Earlier that year, the 1.88m tall shooter was part of the NZU21 World Youth Championship-winning team. As Silver Fern #134, Maria was, numerically, sandwiched between her great mates Laura Langman and Casey Kopua. The trio, whose careers have followed similar paths, once again joined forces in Liverpool where they were affectionately dubbed ‘the fossils’.

Earmarked as a quality performer from a young age, the stylish Maria had made significant strides by the time she reached 20, becoming a regular in the Silver Ferns’ starting line-up by the end of 2006.

Since then, her game continued to flourish, maturity and a wealth of experience adding to her considerable skill set. Maria continued to evolve as a player, her repertoire growing alongside her general attacking and defensive games. This included learning the intricacies of goal shoot late in her career and just months out from the Netball World Cup. However, her shooting ability and knack of rising to the occasion for the big games never wavered.

After a string of foot and knee injuries kept her sidelined for a large part of

A game-changer, Folau became one of the most feared shooters in world Netball...”

the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Maria bounced back in style with a sense of unfinished business, her experience and performances in 2019 being a key to the Silver Ferns’ success.

Maria became the fourth Silver Fern to achieve 100 Test caps in 2015, which is a significant milestone, and she remains just one of seven centurions.

Maria also played in four Commonwealth Games tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018). The sinking of a long-range winner after two spells of extra time against Australia in the Delhi 2010 final was an enduring moment during her influential career.