Silver Ferns continuing to embarrass

Photo courtesy of Zimbio.com

After that game it is hard to find a place to start.

England have finally got the monkey off their back's but pulling off a rare victory against the Silver Ferns, closing out the match 42-38.

Climbing the ditch after two test matches against the Australian Diamonds, England were hungry for revenge and primed for a top performance against the abysmal Ferns.

For once England showed their potential and rushed out of the gates to an early 1st quarter five goal lead thanks in large part to the Silver Ferns squandering possession and a low shooting percentage.

Jo Harten used her insider knowledge of Leana de Bruin to perfection throughout the match and successfully set up camp on the baseline, using her nimble footwork and body position to keep de Bruin's head spinning which will no doubt continue post match.

With promising youngster Temalisi Fakahokotau on the bench, it at times was utterly confusing as to why changes were not made in the defensive circle, to bring in some mongrel, energy and the ability to hunt the ball outside the circle.

Grace Rasmussen was rewarded after a solid final hit out against the Diamonds in the Constellation Cup but was well and truly shut down in the first quarter by Serena Guthrie, to continue the revolving door at WA.

Neither Leota or Rasmussen have laid claim on the position, and less than 12 months out from the World Cup it is starting to be the least of the Silver Ferns woes.

The continuing talk from players and coaching staff about being in a "rebuilding phase" is utterly confusing.

At one stage during the game they had a total of 454 caps, more than England with 475. That doesn't appear as though it is a team in a rebuilding phase.

From a supporters point of view it is expected with the youth of Bailey Mes given another chance in the shooting circle that the experienced head of Jodi Brown would guide her through the game, leading the way for her young GS, but it wasn't the case.

Brown continues on her flat, post ANZ Championship season and must be lucky to hold onto her position in the squad with the numbers she is posting.

As you can see from the stats below, it is highly unusual why Cat Latu has been benched for the past two games including tonights.

Players	Southland	Melbourne	Sydney	Auckland	Rotorua
Cat Latu	26/28 - 93%	25/25 - 100%	100%	DNP	DNP
Jodi Brown	5/8 - 63%	DNP	8/12 - 67%	25/31 - 81%	6/13 - 46%
Bailey Mes	11/19 - 58%	1/4 - 25%	5/9 - 56%	22/33 - 67%	15/35 - 71%
Ameliaranne Wells	DNP	14/20 - 70%	7/8 - 88%	DNP	7/13 - 54%
Game total	42/55 – 76%	40/49 – 82%	34/43 – 79%	47/64 – 73%	38/61 – 62%

Of course these stats don't take into consideration how long the players were given on court but questions do need to be asked how on earth Bailey and Jodi were given the shooting positions in the final quarter.

For Ferns fans, the end of the Constellation Cup appeared as though it was indeed rock bottom, that things couldn't possibly get any worse.

Tonight they did.

Going into Friday's game the Ferns face the very real and frightening prospect of finishing an international season (post Commonwealth Games) without a win. 

I dare to ask IF that has ever happened before in our netball history.

England showed tonight they are finally gathering the mental ability to hold out the Silver Ferns barrage and fighting spirit when it came throughout the match, and that is a dangerous thought going forward into the World Cup next year.

The soul searching will continue for the Silver Ferns before friday, while England can enjoy only their 4th ever victory out of 83 previous attempts.

It is now time for Wai and co. to start facing the music and start answering for the poor performance that at times didn't even look worthy of an ANZ Championship team.

Who Wai will put out on court is anyone's guess.