Columba College coach Janine Southby is not sure what to
expect at the national secondary school championships in
Napier next week.
With five players missing from the team which placed sixth at
the tournament last year, Southby thought the school might
need a year to rebuild.
But the Steel co-coach has been pleasantly surprised with her
side's form and is hoping for the best.
Columba finished third at the South Island secondary schools
tournament and has been drawn in pool A for the national
championships, alongside defending champion Mt Albert
Grammar, St Mary's College and Waimea College.
"You are never quite sure what to expect at this level,
because teams can change quite dramatically from year to
year," Southby said.
"But if we can stay fully fit and remained focus, well, we
got in the top six last year so the girls are certainly
aiming for that."
Mt Albert Grammar is certain to present a stern challenge,
but Columba beat Waimea College at the South Island
tournament and will be confident going into that game. That
means Columba's opening game against St Mary's on Tuesday
morning shapes as an important fixture.
Southby said her side would probably need to win two of its
three round-robin fixtures to guarantee a top-two placing in
pool A. After that the school will have to keep winning
crossover matches to make the final on Friday.
Columba has some good players in key positions. Talented
shooter Bridget Thayer - younger sister of Steel defender
Louise Thayer - will shoulder the bulk of the scoring
responsibilities.
Busy midcourter Sophie Napper is a player with a bright
future and the athletic Renaye Flockton is a very deceptive
defender.
"They have done really well this year and have sort of
exceeded what I expected from them. They are a pretty gutsy
and determined side and, if we focus on what we do well, we
will be fine," Southby said.
Schools netball
Columba College draw
October 11: v Saint Mary's College, 9.30am; v Waimea
College, 2.10pm
October 12: v Mt Albert Grammar, 12.30pm
October 13: Crossover games
October 14: Playoffs and final
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