GILBERT NETBALL NEWS

SILVER FERNS CAPTAIN AND SILVER FERNS SQUAD ANNOUNCED

Tue 28 July 2009

Netball New Zealand today announced experienced defender Casey Williams as the new Silver Ferns captain and named fifteen players in the 2009/2010 Silver Ferns squad.

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken says Williams is a remarkable athlete and a world class player who leads by example.

"Casey is as a formidable competitor who is widely respected across the netball world. Her commitment and determination are qualities we value highly in the Silver Ferns."

Williams says it is a huge privilege to be named as Silver Ferns captain.

"To be in the Silver Ferns and to wear the black dress is an honour in itself but even fewer get the opportunity to captain the side. It's something I take very seriously and hold with great respect, she said.

Williams has become the 23rd captain of the Silver Ferns since the first test match held in 1938.

New comers to the Silver Ferns squad are Camilla Lees (Pulse), and Charlotte Kight (Tactix). Temepara George (Mystics) returns to the squad after a two year absence.

Aitken said she was delighted with the make-up of the newly announced squad with some talented new faces combining with a core of experienced internationals.

" While there are definitely some challenges ahead, this is a great group of players who will work extremely hard to ensure success for the Silver Ferns in 2009 and beyond."

On the 21st of August, 12 players will be named in the Silver Ferns team to contest the New World International Netball Series against the World 7.

The 2009/2010 Silver Ferns squad is:

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

Up to three further players may be added to this squad after the Silver Ferns trial in late August.

Four additional players have been invited into the Silver Fern Squad trial:

Erika Burgess (Steel), Jodi Tod (Magic), Jess Tuki (Magic), Larissa Willcox (Tactix),