Sting record under threat

Sting record under threat

The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Sting face the most demanding of assignments on Friday as they strive to keep their perfect record of reaching every National Bank Cup netball final intact.

With nine straight finals appearances behind them, the Sting will meet defending champions Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic supported by Sleepyhead in Invercargill to decide who will meet the Fujifilm Force in the June 22 final.

Outgunned at home by a rampant Force team last week, the Sting will be looking for a better showing against the ever-improving Magic to keep their proud history alive, in the final year of the competition.

“I think last week we just got caught being a little bit complacent,” Sting captain Jenny Ferguson said.

“We had a great home advantage, we were feeling good, we’d had a good game the week before and maybe we just thought that was going to carry on through.

“It’s definitely a bit of a wake-up call for this week and, of course, now it is our final so we’ve just got to pick ourselves up and put out a new game plan, really.”

Ferguson does not expect a repeat of the 21-goal walkover the Sting achieved against the Magic in round robin play.

She felt the Magic, who had shown steady improvement throughout the competition, were showing good form at the right time and would be a completely different proposition to the one they faced seven weeks ago.

“They have strength throughout the court and they are the champions still, so want to win this competition as much as anybody else. They have got experienced players that can rise for the big games so it’s going to be a big battle.”

Ferguson said the development of a new style from the Sting had been well read and dismantled by the Force.

“I don’t think anybody would expect us to come out and play like that again,” she said.

“We’re going to be a lot harder and wanting the game more because it is our last opportunity and hopefully we just play better under pressure.”

Co-captain Joline Henry said the Magic had taken time to evolve over a patchy season but were now showing signs of hitting top gear.

With new personnel in the team it had taken time to establish their links and court structure.

Henry has no doubt the Magic have the resources to nullify the Sting challenge.

“We’re lucky enough to have quality players, who when the pressure comes on, they turn up to the party,” she said.

“Against the Sting it will be all about how we absorb the pressure they throw at us. For us we have to do the same… apply enough pressure for them to crumble.”

“At the end of the day it’s going to be about the team that goes out there and executes their game plan the best and makes the least errors.”

Composure is the key word for Henry.

The Magic will not deviate from their preferred style of play which relies on pace and quick release of the ball.

“We are at our best when we just let the ball go,” she said.

“I’d like to think we can still attack from anywhere on the court but maintaining that composure will be vital.”

Henry still felt a little disappointed about the Magic’s showing in the last encounter between the pair which has added fuel to the fire.

“I just want to make sure my preparation is perfect,” she said.

“A game’s a game, it’s do or die now and what’s happened in the past doesn’t count for squat. We’re all on even-stevens and if you don’t come out on top, that’s it… season over.”

ENDS

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