Medal success vindicates Taurua’s selections
Never fear, Dame Noeline Taurua is here.
The netball mastermind guided the Silver Ferns to a bronze medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, beating defending champions and hosts England 55-48 yesterday.
Taurua was questioned for her selections leading into the Games, with squad members Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Sam Winders, Tiana Metuarau and Maddy Gordon overlooked.
But now she and the selectors have been vindicated.
England were favourites to win the bronze medal match, looking the more in-form team after beating New Zealand by 10 goals in pool play.
But a clinical Ferns side were too good in the decider. They created a six-goal buffer in the second quarter and maintained their lead throughout.
Speaking after the bronze win,
Taurua said she and the selectors had made the right calls.
“For us to go home with a medal is massive. Not only for our confidence, but also the selection of the players, and also the lead-in to the Netball World Cup.”
Going into the tournament and during the group stages, Taurua made it clear she didn’t have a first-choice starting seven.
But in the bronze playoff, she showcased her best line-up, not making any changes in the match for
the first time during the Games.
Taurua said each of the seven players stood up under pressure.
“There’s been a lot of growth within individuals and their ability to execute and deliver under pressure.”
One of those players in particular was goal shoot Grace Nweke, who shot 44 goals from 48 attempts at 91 per cent.
Taurua said she was proud of how the 20-year-old handled herself, getting the better of veteran goal keep Geva Mentor.
“Every time [before the bronze match] Grace has played England, she’s been schooled by Mentor. So I thought she stood up really well. It’ll give her a lot of confidence.”
Wing defence Kate Heffernan was also a standout, taking England captain and wing attack Natalie Metcalf out of the game.
“Kate’s really unassuming but she’s got a lot of speed off the mark. She’s got a bit of mongrel in there as well.”
The Silver Ferns contest the Taini Jamison Trophy next month against Jamaica, who lost yesterday’s final 55-51 as the Diamonds earned Australia’s 1000th Commonwealth Games gold medal. The Taini Jamison Trophy will be followed by the Constellation Cup in October.