Netball: Watson not taking spot for granted

Steel defender Jane Watson warms up before a training session at the Edgar Centre yesterday....
Steel defender Jane Watson warms up before a training session at the Edgar Centre yesterday. Photo by Linda Robertson.

Turns out there is not much difference between winning and losing.

You still have to show up for training and there is still someone trying to take your starting spot.

That is what Steel defender Jane Watson has discovered at least.

Watson had three seasons with the Tactix before joining the Steel last year.

She has experienced more wins this season than in her first four years. But while winning is "quite a nice feeling ... there are still things we want to keep working on,'' she said.

"You are always out there trying to push for your own spot and everyone is working hard.

"There is no easy way. You definitely don't go in thinking you've got the starting spot. It is always neck and neck and you never know whether you're starting or not because there is that competition with the other defenders.''

Watson has certainly had to battle for her opportunities. Initially, she was rated behind Storm Purvis and Phoenix Karaka.

When Karaka signed with the Pulse, the Steel signed experienced defender Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit so there was no let-up.

It was soon apparent Watson and Purvis were the preferred starting duo, though, and the pair were building a nice combination before Purvis was sidelined with injury and then illness.

Selby-Rickit's inclusion in the starting line-up had the potential to be disruptive but she has settled in wonderfully well and had a cracking game in the draw against the Swifts in Sydney on Saturday, nabbing half a dozen intercepts.

"It has been a really easy transition because I find her really easy to play with. And, I guess, in training we go through different combinations, so we are still playing with everybody.''

Shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid hogs much limelight but Watson has been one of the stars as well. Her name has been bandied about whenever the conversation has turned to Silver Ferns selection.

"I try not to listen to it and just keep playing. It either comes or it doesn't,'' Watson said when asked about her prospects of playing in the black dress.

The 26-year-old feels she has been more consistent this season than during previous campaigns and, like the team, is looking forward to the next challenge.

There is no competitive game this week because the Steel has earned the right to a weekend off, courtesy of topping the New Zealand conference.

The team will not actually get the weekend off, though. The Steel will play a composite team of New Zealand and Canterbury players at Columba College on Sunday.

Coach Noeline Taurua felt her side produced a lacklustre performance following its bye in round seven, so has lined up some decent competition.

The game against the men's composite team gets under way at 3.10pm and is open to the public. Entry is by way of a gold coin.

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