Gerrard to lead Diamonds against Silver Ferns

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

By Netball Australia

Inspirational defender Mo’onia Gerrard will take the role of acting on court captain for the Holden Netball Test Series against New Zealand, starting this Sunday, October 26 in Melbourne.

When McMahon was ruled out for the entire 2008 international series, the captaincy was to be rotated between Natalie von Bertouch, Catherine Cox and Gerrard. With Cox missing the two test series against England, von Bertouch stepped up to the position again after the tour of New Zealand, with Gerrard to have the role against the Silver Ferns in Australia.

“As a senior member of the team, I am excited about the opportunity and challenge to be the acting captain and to step up to this leadership role,” Gerrard explained.

After a hotly contested tour between the arch rivals in September and with both teams coming off recent series’ against England, Gerrard is expecting a fierce contest between the world’s two top ranked nations.

“They had a couple of easy wins against England and also a loss, so New Zealand will have something to prove. We are expecting a very physical encounter,” Gerrard said.

“We have an extremely young team and they all now realise the expectations of them every time they hit the court.

“The tour in September helped to mentally toughen us up, particularly the new players in the team.”

And with the ledger sitting at one-a-piece this year between the Diamonds and the Silver Ferns, Gerrard believes the key for winning this series will come down to skill execution.

“Minimising turnovers will be crucial for both teams and the final result in this series.”