Netball Central Zone Names Experienced U23 Squad

Netball Central Zone Names Experienced U23 Squad

4 June 2015

Netball Central Zone (NCZ) has announced the 2015 U23 squad, which is packed with experience, featuring a number of players returning from last year’s successful team. The original training squad of 16 has now been trimmed to 12 in preparation for the NZAGC tournament in Auckland on 6-8 July.

“I’m pleased with the balance of youth and experience,” explained Head Coach Yvette McCausland-Durie. “A number are returning players with experience at U23 level and overall there are strong options and combinations providing us with exciting flexibility and variation.

“Whitney Souness and Jess Bourke join the team after their ANZ Championship experiences with the Mojo Pulse and Renee Matoe is a consistent performer and will captain the side. Karin Burger, Rhiarna Ferris and Brooke Watt have had Mojo Pulse training partner experience, and rising young players Renee Te Riini and Alexandra Dunn will add speed into the midcourt.

“Working with the squad has been a great opportunity to help develop our players further. We have some exciting young talent who have graduated from U19s and are making their first transitions into senior rep netball. We have had four trainings and a pre-season tournament as a larger squad of 16 to date. This weekend will be our first full session as a team of 12, with two more practices and a one-day tournament in Auckland to complete our preparation before NZAGC in early July.”

NETBALL CENTRAL ZONE U23 SQUAD 2015

Shooters: Kirsten Craig, Talia Hullena, Renee Matoe +WA (Captain)
Middies: Sheridan Bignall, Alexandra Dunn, Crystal Lawrence, Whitney Souness, Renee Te Riini
Defence: Jess Bourke, Karin Burger, Rhiarna Ferris, Brooke Watt

Laura Meg McGlone has withdrawn from the squad due to an ankle injury.

Team Management
Head Coach: Yvette McCausland-Durie
Assistant Coach: Lana McCarthy
Team Manager: Margaret Perry
Physio: Maumahara Keelan
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Guy Morthersole
Statistician: Lindsay Filiata

Pre-season Tournament Results, ASB Sports Centre, Wellington, 31 May

Central Zone (1) 72 Mainland 40
Central Zone (1) 66 Waikato 56
Central Zone (2) 25 Northern 43
Central Zone (2) 33 Waikato 40

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