HEADING into Game 2 of the Taini Jamison Trophy series, the Roses will be hoping to collect their first win while the Ferns will be aiming to repeat their previous efforts and make it two straight. Instead of a normal preview, we will pit the defensive unit of the Roses against the attacking unit of the Ferns to compare the two sides and analyse what they need to do in order to get on top and assert their dominance.

ROSES DEFENCE:

Still a raw prospect, Razia Quashie is a force to be reckoned with given her explosive nature. Although she is not the tallest defender she makes up for it with her impressive leap and deceptive speed to cover the court within a blink of an eye. Her elevation enabled her to bat ball away against Maia Wilson in their previous encounter and she will want to repeat those efforts in this clash. Quashie showcased her athleticism getting up to those high balls while her lean over the shot was another focal point of her game play. Her partnership with Fran Williams steadily developed throughout the game as the two combined to slow the ball movement particularly in the second half thanks to their improved footwork and hands over pressure. Williams worked her way into the contest, going out hunting for any loose ball and covered the court with great ease while her transitional play also lightened the load on the Roses’ attackers. The Roses have a wealth of other options with Vicki Oyesola able to come on and have an impact with her long arms and tenacity and while not named in the Round 1 clash the likes of experienced head Jodie Gibson could be a real game changer.

FERNS ATTACK:

Wilson was the key target for the Ferns under the post and has really elevated her game play throughout the 2020 season which carried into the international stage. The goal shooter’s variety to pop out through the centre of the circle and command the ball was profound throughout Game 1 while her ability to hold strong under the post was also key. Her overall accuracy was also paramount and a key reason the Ferns were able to succeed. Still forging her connection with captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio the two showcased glimpses of brilliance with their shooter to shooter interplay catching the defenders off-guard, but will want to build on that in this match-up to become more potent. Ekenasio is a real playmaker for the Ferns able to dictate the speed of the game and always offers that get out jail free card such is her read of the play and considerable netball nous. She is a smooth mover and complements Wilson’s game style to float into the circle and keep the defenders guessing and unable to double down on Wilson given she is such a threat. Monica Falkner is the other goaler for the Ferns and despite having limited netball under her belt in the past year and a half, she is an exciting prospect credit to her strong drives and willingness to go from range.

COMPARISON:

The battle between the two sides will be intriguing but the main factor is the Roses endurance and ability to push through the Ferns pressure. Having played limited netball in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Roses took a while to kick into gear an area they will want to address this game. However more specifically if the Roses are able to lower the penalty count inside the goal circle and create more opportunities to go out hunting it will force the Ferns to play a safer brand of netball, forcing them into held balls. Quashie is renowned for her physicality a factor Wilson is not overly fond of, so if the goal keeper can body up on the shooter and contest every pass it will go a long way in getting them over the line. Meanwhile Williams will have to work in overdrive to stop the movement of Ekenasio and apply some strong hands over pressure to block her vision and quick release into Wilson. The Roses duo showed glimpses of what is possible but were unable to put out a full four quarter effort.

Picture credit: Michael Bradley