Stythe debuts in Ferns’ win over Scots

Silver Ferns goalkeep Carys Stythe attempts to block the shot of Scotland Thistles goal shoot Emma Barrie as Niamh McCall (left) and Karin Burger look on during a netball test in Glasgow yesterday. PHOTOS: MICHAEL BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Carys Stythe can officially call herself a Silver Fern.

The Southern Steel defender became Silver Fern No 193 when she got the nod as starting goal keep during their 63-41 win over the Scottish Thistles yesterday morning.

"It’s funny, because I’ve obviously been with them for a while," Stythe said.

"The number 193 — it was kind of just sitting there and I was trying to grab it, but really really grateful that I get to be a part of the Silver Ferns.

"When I was sitting on the bench in Invers (Invercargill) I was a bit emotional and this time I was just ready to crack into it.

"It’s hard to put into words now I’m a Silver Fern.

"It’ll take a while to sink in. Just so grateful. Grateful to my family who got me here and grateful is the word."

It was extra special playing in front of her father, Gareth, and older sister Imogen — the latter who lives in London but made the trip to Glasgow to watch her debut.

The Silver Ferns built on their lead through each quarter and were never seriously troubled, but at times lacked fluency, while Scotland produced their most productive outing against New Zealand with a record number of goals and closest margin.

Amelia Walmsley and Martina Salmon shared the shooting circle, after Georgia Heffernan was ruled out after tweaking her back during the captain’s run.

It was a good chance for the visitors to see what they could do without star shooter Grace Nweke at the back.

Stythe high-fives her team-mates.

The young shooters split the load evenly, with Walmsley finishing with 30 from 33 attempts and Salmon 33 from 37 attempts.

They held a 16-10 lead at the first break and extended it to 33-22 at halftime.

It was not the most clinical performance from the Silver Ferns, but they tested several different combinations, including Parris Mason getting the start at wing defence.

The Silver Ferns made wholesale changes for the second half, with Salmon and Walmsley switching, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan taking over from Peta Toeava at wing attack while Kate Heffernan, Catherine Hall and Kelly Jackson were introduced defensively.

Unforced errors did not help Scotland and the Silver Ferns clicked into gear to push their advantage out to 16 and lead 49-33 at the end of the third.

It was the Silver Ferns first test in Scotland since the 2014 Commonwealth Games and a chance to scout the venue where they will play at the Games next year.

The Silver Ferns meet the Thistles again tomorrow morning.