Anita Navin previews all the action from New Zealand
Wednesday 5 November 2014 12:38, UK
Coaches and captains descended on Auckland Harbour today for the official launch of this weekend's Fast5 competition.
It was great to see England captain Jade Clarke eager to get on court and carve up the competitors in what will be her rookie year as a Fast5 squad member. It's been almost five weeks on the road through Australia and New Zealand for Clarke, yet she still possesses the zest to take a medal and she's targeting gold.
Clarke made it clear that nothing else would be good enough as she sets the high standards once again. The England Fast5 squad is as follows: Clarke, Ama Agbeze, Rosie Allison, Sara Bayman, Eboni Beckford-Chambers, Sam Cook, Kadeen Corbin, Rachel Dunn, Serena Guthrie and Jo Harten. Whilst we did not see a court appearance for any of our youngsters in the recent tests, this may be an opportunity for defender Sam Cook to prove her value and get on court for England.
The Fast5 will see the six best teams in the world compete for gold and it was a shock to hear the Malawi Queens star shooter Mwai Kumwenda did not travel on this occasion and will not be standing strong in their circle. Coach Mary Waya indicated this was a competition to see the talented shooters that aspire to be Mwai and in a cool and collected manner indicated they intended to impress. Caroline Mtukule, who is a strong leader at GD for the Queens, will captain the side searching for a podium position. Keep your eye on Malawi's Bridget Kumwenda who is a real emerging talent at centre. Not only have the Queens set their sights high on the court but have indicated they will match the dancing prowess of the Fast5 Silver Ferns who showed us their moves in Auckland last year.
Flyers
Australia's Fast5 Flyers are captained by Erin Bell (GA) and Clare McMeniman (GD), who will both be hoping to impress the coaching staff. McMeniman recently made her Diamonds debut but will be the oldest member of the Flyers. The Aussie camp were clear that their unbeaten record was on the radar but more importantly the slate was wiped clean ready for this squad to impress and get on with the main job of bringing home the gold. Kate Beveridge is one of the more experienced members of the Flyers squad and will no doubt partner Bell for the strongest shooter pairing.
Jamaica were quietly confident at the launch day and are keen to push on from their Commonwealth success this summer. Romelda Aiken is in there as a tall GS with a number of quality GAs in Shanice Beckford, Deneen Taylor, Thristina Harwood and Anna- Kay Griffiths ready to support. The balance of the squad for Jamaica favours the GA role and this could prove to be a subtle tactical move to gain a spot in the final. If they turn up and are on their game then any avid fan knows what is possible from the Sunshine Girls!
South Africa's side were excited to be in Auckland and ready to compete in a format of the game they fully embrace. Captained by Maryka Holtzhausen, a cunning GA with a work rate second to none, the Spar Fast5 squad are ready to impress. The so-called cheeky character Vanes-Marie Du Toit is back after missing the games in Glasgow. Du Toit is likely to play more of a shooting role but she is versatile and is often spotted in at GK. Amanda Mynhardt, the powerful and relentless GD, will no doubt put up a strong contest against all attacking units. Coach Elize Kotze looked a little tired with jetlag today but we all know she inspires her squad and they could take an unexpected victory.
Legend returns
Finally the Ferns, who no doubt have the scene set in a sell out arena to take the gold medal. The legendary Irene Van Dyk makes a return to the international scene to be the safe one and two point shooter. Bailey Mes and Ellen Halpenny make up the shooting trio so critics may say the Ferns seem to be minus a three point stalwart in their squad. New Zealand have the youngest player in the competition in Jamie Lee Price who is an up-and-coming defender to look out for. All eyes will also be on Laura Langman, who has the tenacity and dogged determination to give more on court when under the most pressure.
This competition always brings shock and surprises but the England fives have a great chance. It seems Jo Harten will be the most treasured three point shooter on show this weekend and she seems at home in her ANZ home nation. I can't help but think a shock result will come on day one and I would love to see a re-run of Liverpool in 2011 when England achieved gold.
Who do you think will win this weekend's Fast5?
