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JUNE 25TH 2009 www.southernsteel.co.nz
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Thunderbirds are Go...ing home defeated - at least if the Steel has anything to do with it !
The first Australian team to venture to the far south, netball fans have endured a lengthy wait until round 13 but won’t be disappointed.
The Thunderbirds are brimming with strength in all areas of the court and, on paper at least, cemented its place as a likely semi-finalist before the ANZ Championship even began.
If the imposing presence of Mo’onia Gerrard and English defender Geva Mentor isn’t enough, factor in the accuracy of shooters Kate Beveridge and Natalie Medhurst, who boasted 85 and 90 percent success rates respectively last year.
At 1.93m the towering Beveridge will have a distinct height advantage over Steel’s defenders, who will have to enlist some creative tactics to shut the dynamic pair down. Watch out for a compelling tussle between Medhurst and Silver Fern Katrina Grant.
Expect some explosive action in the midcourt as the legendary von Bertouch sisters, Natalie and Laura, go head-to-head in the battle for supremacy with Steel’s Adine Wilson and Liana Barrett-Chase.
Steel has claimed the scalp of every Australian team to challenge it at home – a record it will be determined to keep intact.
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Heartbreaking loss jeopardises playoffs - Monday June 23rd
Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel 50 – Queensland Firebirds 52
By Kate Buchanan
The Southern Steel came tantalisingly close to creating history last night, narrowly losing 50-52 to the Queensland Firebirds in Brisbane.
It was the closest any New Zealand team has come to winning on Australian soil since the ANZ Championship inception in 2008 and, while the heartbreaking loss enabled the Firebirds to leapfrog the Ascot Park Hotel-sponsored Steel and claim fourth spot on the points table, the Southerners commitment was undeniable.
The Steel’s tenacious performance was perhaps even more impressive considering they have had just a week to integrate shooter Megan Dehn into the team following last week’s withdrawal of Daneka Wipiiti, who is expecting her first child.
While Wipiiti’s height and shooting prowess was undoubtedly missed, Dehn’s display after nearly a year away from the elite level was outstanding. The former Australian representative nailed 18 from 21 shots for an 86 percent strike rate and proved a considerable asset on attack.
CLICK TO READ FULL MATCH REPORT
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Baby on Board by Kate Buchanan
Cooper Wilkins probably won’t remember much about his first season jetting around with the Southern Steel, but the adorable youngster has undoubtedly travelled more kilometres than most babies his age.
At just seven months old his passport already boasts several international stamps but he’s taken the jet-setting lifestyle in his stride (albeit not literally) – it’s all part of the territory when your mum’s an accomplished athlete like Donna Wilkins.
“He’s racking up a good few stamps in his passport from being dragged around with the netball girls,” Donna said. “He’s been awesome … we’re getting it down to a fine art now.”
No-one would argue the fact motherhood is a life-changing experience, but juggling it along with competing in netball’s top echelon is, if you’ll excuse the pun, a completely different ball game.
When Donna gets ready for training nowadays, it’s no longer a case of simply grabbing the sneakers. “I have to pack more stuff for him than I do for myself,” she said.
Debate has raged recently about New Zealand teams competing in the ANZ Championship featuring several mothers, while none of their Australian counterparts have embarked on the parenthood journey.
CLICK TO READ DONNA'S FULL PROFILE
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If you're the one, YOU'VE WON !
At every Southern Steel Home game, in Invercargill or Dunedin, you'll find our special 'Southern Steeler' Photographers taking pictures of our loyal supporters in the crowd. After every home game, we'll post ONE of our favourite shots, here on our website and if the picture we show is you -YOU'VE WON!!
There are great prizes including signed Southern Steel balls to be won and much more.
So support the Southern Steel home matches, get out your best and most creative supporters gear, get your game face on and you could be the chosen Southern Steeler of the match !
LOOK FOR OUR "STEELER" PHOTOGRAPHERS AT MONDAY'S GAME ! |
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The action heats up at www.easytosupport.co.nz
This year the action heats up even more with the brand new website created by ANZ just for fans - www.easytosupport.co.nz
With amazing weekly prizes, a super-simple ScoreSelect virtual netball competition and blogs from celebrity fans and professional players, we're making it easier get behind the Southern Steel. There's a trip for two to Sydney for the ScoreSelect overall winner*, so get your picks in now!
Register now at www.easytosupport.co.nz and you'll receive a FREE copy of Women's Health or Men's Health magazine**.
Whether you're in the stands, or following the Steel on television, www.easytosupport.co.nz has got all the good stuff to make it easy to support the ANZ Championship - the hottest game in town!
*Terms and conditions apply. **This is a limited offer and available while stocks last. This offer is only available to residents in New Zealand who are over the age of 16 years. |
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Don't miss the all out excitement of a Southern Steel HOME GAME !
As good as the live television coverage is - nothing beats the full on energy and sheer excitement of a home game. And when you're surrounded by the famous Supporters from the South at the Edgar Centre or Stadium Southland, it's a feeling you'll never forget !
So don't miss out - there's still plenty of good seats available for the Steel's 2009 Home Games :
Monday 29 June vs. Adld. Thunderbirds - Edgar Centre, Dunedin 7.15pm
Saturday 4 July vs. NSW Swifts - Stadium Southland 2.15pm
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