New face for Silver Ferns line-up

Monday, July 2, 2007

By Netball Australia/NNZ

Midcourter, Maree Bowden is the new face in the New Zealand Silver Ferns line-up to take on Australia in the Holden Netball Test Series.

Coach, Ruth Aitken promoted 28-year-old Bowden into the squad to replace vice-captain Temepara George, who withdrew because of personal reasons on the eve of their selection trials.

Former Silver Ferns defender Sheryl Scanlan has also earned a recall into the side.

Aitken said the selectors opted to take a balanced team of four shooters, four mid-courters and four defenders on the Australian tour,

“Maree offers strong options at wing attack and centre and provides the attacking mid-court cover we believe is so important in a World Netball Championships year,” Aitken said.

“Sheryl’s form in England as a training partner and her performances in both the National Bank Cup and Silver Ferns trials warranted her inclusion into the team again.

“She is an experienced and versatile defender and provides the team with the necessary cover both in circle defence and for the wing defence role.”

The Silver Ferns team:
Shooters:
Irene van Dyk
Maria Tutaia
Jodi Te Huna
Paula Griffin

Midcourt:
Adine Wilson(captain)
Maree Bowden
Laura Langman
Julie Seymour

Defence:
Leana de Bruin
Casey Williams
Joline Henry
Sheryl Scanlan

New Player Profiles:
Maree Bowden
Positions: WA, C, WD
Height: 1.75m
DOB: 20 November 1979
Test Caps: 0
Silver Ferns Squad 2006-2007

Sheryl Scanlan
Positions: GD, WD
Height: 1.75m
DOB: 8 September 1977
Caps: 42
Silver Ferns Squad 2000-2005, 2006-2007
Silver Ferns Debut – South African Tour 2000

Fisher & Paykel Cup
Australia v NZ Silver Ferns
Wednesday 18 July
7.30pm (NZ time)
Vector Arena, Auckland

Holden Netball Test Series
Australia v NZ Silver Ferns
Saturday 21 July
8.00pm
Vodafone Arena, Melbourne

Australia v NZ Silver Ferns
Tuesday 24 July
7.30pm
The Distinctive Homes Dome, Adelaide