Pulse finalise 2017 playing roster

September 8, 2016

Pulse finalise 2017 playing roster

The playing strip will add a sense of familiarity but England international Sara Bayman will be a long way from home when she suits up for the Central Pulse in next year’s ANZ Netball Elite League.

Bayman, 31, will swap the black and yellow of Manchester Thunder in the UK Super League for the same colour combination as the Pulse’s import in next year’s new national league.

Renowned for her strong work ethic and robust style of play, the experienced midcourter has been joined by Wellington shooter Te Amo Amaru-Tibble in completing the Pulse’s roster for the 2017 campaign.

Primarily a centre/wing defence, Bayman at 1.81m, is tall for a midcourter, and excited by the opportunity to ply her trade in this part of the world.

``With the new leagues being established in New Zealand and Australia, everyone wants to play down there and to get the opportunity is just really exciting and I can’t wait,’’ Bayman said from her base in England.

``I’d like to think I can add a bit of experience to a young midcourt and from having some international experience, just to help give a solid spine for the team to work from. I’d like to pass on whatever leadership skills and knowledge than I can while soaking up the Kiwi style at the same time.’’

Bayman, who was unavailable for the recent Quad Series, captained England in their international series against Australia in January, and will be available for the team’s home series against Jamaica in December.

``Making sure the Pulse were the right fit was really important and having spoken to (coach) Yvette (McCausland-Durie), I’m really excited by what they want to do and how they’re looking to play. It just felt like a really good fit for me and now I’m excited to get started,’’ she said.

Amaru-Tibble, 27, an astute player, who is capable of playing both shooting positions and mixing her game up to cover the main scoring role or the feeding component depending on the team dynamics, has been a part of the Wellington netball scene for many years.

She was elevated into this year’s Pulse team from the Beko league to replace an injured Jodi Brown while previously playing for the team in 2008-11.

McCausland-Durie is delighted to have signed the pair which puts the finishing touches on her squad for next year.

``Sara will provide really good experience in the midcourt for us,’’ she said. ``We’ve got some young players and her experience is going to be really critical for us in terms of the immediate needs of the team. She’s played internationally for a number of years and is a fantastic signing for us.’’

While Amaru-Tibble has had intermittent spells with the Pulse over the years, McCausland-Durie believes there’s plenty of room for development in the 1.82m shooter.

``She’s experienced but far from the finished product and I believe she’s got much more to offer,’’ she said.

``I think we’ve got a nicely balanced roster with a mix of experience, not only at this level but at international level, and the opportunity to develop bright prospects who haven’t been at this level before. To my mind, we’ve done very well with our signings.’’

Pulse team: Te Amo Amaru-Tibble, Sara Bayman, Sheridan Bignall, Karin Burger, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Katrina Grant, Phoenix Karaka, Claire Kersten, Whitney Souness, Cathrine Tuivaiti.

ENDS.

© Scoop Media