Silver Ferns prepare for challenging World 7 series

Next week’s three-test New World International Netball Series against the World 7 marks the start of the Silver Ferns long term campaign towards the Commonwealth Games (2010) and the World Championships the following year.

The Silver Ferns squad and four invited players will compete in an open trial tonight to select the team for the tests against the World 7 on August 24, 26 and 29.

The trial, in Porirua presents the opportunity for all squad members and the four invited players to push for selection, Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken said.

``This is the time for all these players to step out and show their credentials, the door is open to all of them,’’ she said.

The 12-strong Silver Ferns team to play the World 7 in Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland will be named tomorrow morning.

2009/2010 Silver Ferns squad:

Liana Barrett-Chase, Maree Bowden, Temepara George, Katrina Grant, Paula Griffin, Joline Henry, Charlotte Kight, Laura Langman, Camilla Lees, Sheryl Scanlan, Wendy Telfer, Anna Thompson, Maria Tutaia, Irene van Dyk, Casey Williams (captain).

Invited players:

Erika Burgess, Jodi Tod, Jess Tuki, Larissa Willcox.

WORLD 7 Team:

Romelda Aiken (Jamaica), Louisa Brownfield (England), Peta Scholz (Australia), Frances Solia (Samoa), Geva Mentor (England), Sonia Mkoloma (England), Althea Byfield (Jamaica), Natasha Chokljat (Australia), Delmeza McCloud (Australia), Tamsin Greenway (England), Megan Dehn (Australia).