New Zealand has closed the gap on world number 1 Australia to just five points in the latest World Rankings released by IFNA this week. The move comes as a result of the Silver Ferns’ thrilling double overtime win against the Diamonds in the final of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Barbados moves into 10th place, while the Cook Islands drop to 11th. Lesotho and India, both of which have a nil rating, are in joint 25th place. For further information and the full world rankings please visit the IFNA page.
Preparations are now being finalised for the second World Netball Series (WNS) to be held in Liverpool, UK from 19-21 November 2010. Tickets are still available via website www.worldnetballseries.com
Host nation England this week announced its squad for the competition, to be captained by Karen Atkinson, with a mixture of young talent and experienced internationals. England’s full squad is: Karen Atkinson (capt), Eboni Beckford Chambers, Louisa Brownfield, Pamela Cookey, Sasha Corbin, Rachel Dunn, Stacey Francis, Tamsin Greenway, Serena Guthrie, Jo Harten, Lindsay Keable, Sonia Mkoloma (pictured above last year)
Nine of the Jamaican squad which took the silver medal in the inaugural WNS competition have been named in the Sunshine Girls line up for this year’s tournament, with defender Althea Byfield and shooters Jodi-Ann Ffrench-Kentish (returning after a four year absence from the international game) and Jhanielle Fowler the new names in the side. The team, to be captained by veteran shooter Simone Forbes, also includes Nicole Aiken-Pinnock, Nadine Bryan, Sasher-Gaye Henry, Malysha Kelly, Sasha-Gay Lynch, Tracy-Ann Robinson, Paula Thompson and Vanessa Walker.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Proteas complete a four day training camp this weekend, ahead of the country’s first appearance in the WNS and will travel to England for acclimatisation early next week. And Malawi’s Queens leave home on Sunday 14th November, with veteran shooter Mary Waya once again set to entertain the crowds with her unique style of play.
During the three day competition, spectators are asked to bring any unwanted netball kit or equipment to donate to players in Africa, through a kit amnesty organised by the Netball Development Trust. Volunteers will be located throughout the competition venue to collect any donations, which the trust will then distribute across the continent to help emerging players.
Finally, Singapore’s squad has started its preparations for the Fairprice Foundation Nations Cup, which will be held from 6-12 December, with intensive coaching from Australian greats Vicki Wilson and Jill McIntosh. The pair has conducted clinics and position-specific training with the 18 player Singapore squad (ranked 19th in the world), which will face Scotland (world number 16), Wales (17), Tanzania (21), Namibia (24) and India (25) during the six day competition.
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