Sydney University netballer Gemma Ferrington is in New Zealand after being selected in a combined tour team, made up of NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS), South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) and the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) representatives, that will play a series of friendlies across the ditch.
The joint initiative of the Institutes provides Ferrington and her team-mates with the opportunity to experience and compete in an international tour.
The team travelled to Hamilton on Monday and had their first session on court on Tuesday, a hit-out they needed before facing three of the world’s best in Laura Langman, Irene van Dyk and Casey Williams on Wednesday night.
“The team is going really well – the athletes really stood up against the Magic last night (in match play) and then we had the opportunity to work with them to assist with training. The Magic were at full strength and we stood up really well…the athletes were on a real high after that session,” said Akle.
Today the group will have the chance to work with one of New Zealand’s most high profile coaches Yvonne Willering in Auckland.
“This afternoon the athletes will be working with Yvonne Willering, a really important learning experience for them – the New Zealand style – I know that the athletes will really enjoy it.”
They will play games against ANZ Championship team WBOP Magic, a Waikato selection side, Collegiate, College Rifles Club and a round-robin tournament at Auckland Netball Centre on Sunday.
With four games in four days followed by a round robin tournament, the team will travel from Hamilton to Mairingi Bay tonight and depart Auckland on Sunday.
