Squad ready to face region

The Cook Islands national netball squad is ready to take on regional counterparts in the Pacific Netball Series in Papua New Guinea next week.

The predominantly local-based squad have been on a tight training schedule and on Monday night the squad faced a spirited mens netball team in what was a tough and fast match testing the players skills, fitness and ability to adapt to positional changes.

The national players were ably directed through the game by national assistant coach Mii Maui.

While the players are looking fit and ready to take on Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Samoa, the team had some last minute changes this week.

Shooting sensation and national under 21 representative Alanna Smith of the Titikaveka Pearls club has made the tough decision to pull out of the team due to an ankle injury sustained during her teams club grand final match against Avatiu at the weekend.

Smith continued to play on the injured ankle due to a lack of substitutes on the bench and managed to hold her own while hobbling on one foot.

The youngster has made the decision with her future sports career in mind as the talented sportswoman is also a standout volleyball player with her eyes set on representing the Cooks in beach volleyball at the Pacific Games in New Caledonia later this year.

Replacing Smith in the shooting circle is her fellow Titikaveka sharp shooter Ani Matenga.

At Monday nights hit out against the mens team, the national squad played with impressive and consistent intensity with Avatius goal keeper Nana Manuela and Titikaveka goal defender Luciana Smith running a tight ship under the mens goal.

Through centre court, 2011 best player award winner Danielle Trego had great drive ably assisted by Avatius Cecilia Sheeny Teariki and multi talented shooter/wing attack/wing defender Mati Toru.

With ball in hand, Titikaveka shooter Ani Matenga and her Avatiu counterpart Curly George were hard to be distracted or defended against as they potted shots from all over the circle.

On their way to Papua New Guinea via New Zealand tonight the squad will pick up explosive mid-court player Ritua Aliivaa, lofty defender Paula Te Huna and backup shooter Nga Tuitupou.

The Cooks will face host Papua New Guinea first up next Tuesday before playing Fiji on Wednesday and Samoa on Thursday in the series that seconds a ranking games.

Following the team is head coach Marg Foster, assistant coach Mii Maui and team manager Lynnette Hagai and they will be based at the Lamana Hotel.

Supporters and family members can contact the team via info@lamana.com.pg or email team manager Lynnette Hagai directly on hagai@oyster.net.ck while they are in PNG.

The teams depart for New Zealand at 2.10 early tomorrow morning where they will stop for an hour before flying to Brisbane then on to PNG.