Broughton Ready to Take on Steel in Napier
Wednesday 4 April 2012, 7:40AM
By Haier Pulse
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Robyn Broughton is not underestimating the task ahead this Saturday as the Haier Pulse play their second match of the 2012 ANZ Championship.
“The Southern Steel aren’t a team of rookies; we recognise that we are up against a very experienced group of netballers. They are not newbies, they have good heads on them and they know what they are doing. There are three ex-Silver Ferns and a past Australian Diamond in their line-up, so our players will have to treat them with a great deal of respect.”
So what does Broughton want to see the team do differently this week, after their close encounter with the LG Mystics?
“We can’t afford to make mistakes particularly with turnover ball, we need to maximise those opportunities. We’ve earned them and we can’t afford to let them go. It’s essential that the turnover be completed with a successful shot.
“The defence did their job well and played together as a unit. They worked solidly and linked well with our attackers providing strong back up play. We are now working on a solid game plan for this week. Millie Lees will probably be against Shannon Francois, both are in the Silver Ferns squad so should be evenly matched and there are several other matchups that will be challenging.”
Defender Katarina Cooper will be missing from the team again this week.
“She has proved to be a very able player and this was shown during her performance at the pre-season tournament last month. This has been a bit of a blow to her and to the team, but we are being precautionary and are managing the injury. We expect to see her back on court week after next, against the Queensland Firebirds,” added Broughton.
The Haier Pulse play their first home game in the region when they take on the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel at the Pettigrew.Green Arena this Saturday. The game starts at 4.20pm. Tickets are available from Ticketek outlets.
Match report and statistics are available from www.anz-championship.com