New Zealand: Bring it On!
By Tevita Momoedonu


"We are going to win" were the words echoing down the hallway of Suva's National Indoor Stadium, the venue of the inaugural International Men's and Mixed Netball Championship Challenge Cup 2004, as New Zealand under-23 coach, Kerry Quested, vows to snatch the division title from rival, Australia, tomorrow.

Sparks of ongoing rivalry were already obvious ahead of tomorrow's showdown as the trans-Tasmanian neighbours, New Zealand and Australia secured their spots in the U23 grand final, Mixed and Open.


Fiji Men's had the game in their grasp but never seemed to get too close to the Aussies in their Men's semis as their match ended with a 50-38.

New Zealand has never won the U23 title from Australia, since the formalisation of men's netball in 1985, however the Kiwis are vowing not to let that deter them but promise an exciting upset tomorrow.

Although Quested admits she is anxiously looking forward to tomorrow's match, she said the Kiwi's would be sticking to the basics of netball and "no glory game".

Australia's U23 coach, Peter Turk, said his team is today resting ahead of their grand showdown with the `black bibs'.

Turk said his team has been performing consistently throughout the tournament and peaking at the right time.

"We have to tidy up a lot in our defence, we are pretty loose in the mid-court. I would think New Zealand will come up with different tactics," he said.

Turk is confidant the flexibility of his players in both attack and defence modes will see the Kiwis relegated to second place.

"They are a very talented side, they are tall, and they have been working together for a long time. [However], I think what I can see is just a little bit of uncertainty, a little bit of immaturity...but we definitely can't take them lightly tomorrow," said Turk.

Quested responded saying, "I don't think they have the edge [over us]. I have got the team to beat them. My team can beat them. They just have to bring it on the court and see if they [Australians] have it!"

"I think we might surprise them tomorrow. I think its going to be a good game," she promises.

Kiwi's goal attack, Wilson Rota, said their game plan would be to shut out the Aussies in mid court, as they are a strong and fast team.

Despite admission that the weeklong tournament, the humidity and rainy weather of Suva is slowly wearing them out, Kiwi U23 goal keep, Hori Waaka, said their win over Fiji tonight has boosted their confidence.

Both Australia and New Zealand had expected to meet in the finals.

However, both sides agreed they were surprised at how well the Fiji sides had performed in this tournament, even almost causing a few upsets by drawing with Australia in the mixed and open grades, while they went down with a slight margin to New Zealand in the U23 division on two occasions.


Finals Fixtures: Saturday, August 14 (Fiji Time)

12.00pm U23 Australia - New Zealand

1.30pm Mixed Australia - New Zealand

3.00pm Men New Zealand - Australia