THAT game with Sheryl, Lady Wells
July 16, 2015
In the second of a two-part series, former Silver Ferns manager Sheryl, Lady Wells (Duckie Wells), takes us through that memorable Gold Medal Match against Australia from the 2003 Netball World Championships in Jamaica.
Right from the opening whistle the tension in the stadium was intense. The best seat in the house belonged to Sheryl, Lady Wells, the then Silver Ferns manager.
“We started slowly trailing 8-3 after five minutes before kicking in to lead 14-10 at the first break. We extended our lead to 27-22 by halftime and as expected, Australia fought back. They won the third quarter 10-12 and we held on to a 37-34 lead,” Wells recalled.
“Last quarter, seven minutes in and leading by two, a rare and unthinkable occurrence, Temepara [George] is stood down by the umpire for two goals for perceived infringing.
“Of all the scenarios we had practised, we certainly hadn’t expected this one, but we had practised it and the training kicked in.
“Not a word was spoken while Temepara went and sat on a chair behind us and I remember Tania Dalton picking the spare centre bib from the seat beside me. Lesley Nicol came to the sideline, tore off her WD bib and Tania and I pressed the centre bib onto her chest.
“We were now six players against seven,” she said.
“Australia immediately scored two in a row and I could see Temepara crouching forward, eyes blazing, totally focused on the game. Score 40-40,” she continued.
“Temepara returned to the court with eight minutes to go and Australia scored again to lead 40-41.
“A total defensive effort by the Ferns saw a fired up Temepara take three intercepts and we scored five consecutive goals to lead 45-41.
“Not to be outdone, Australia then scored three in a row and the game then went goal for goal until Ferns defender Sheryl Scanlan sprinted out to the transverse line, and with a mighty leap intercepted the ball to bring the Ferns home 49-47.”
Insights like this one provided by Sheryl, Lady Wells are rare. The opportunity to re-live THAT game through her eyes, in her words, is just one reason why generations of netballers will be able to live this great game.
Want more great insights like this, PLUS cool videos and special offers? Join the team and become a SilverFan today!
Fans have the opportunity to support the Silver Ferns on the road to NWC2015 with the New World Netball Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy starting next week against Fiji at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua – get tickets!
Right from the opening whistle the tension in the stadium was intense. The best seat in the house belonged to Sheryl, Lady Wells, the then Silver Ferns manager.
“We started slowly trailing 8-3 after five minutes before kicking in to lead 14-10 at the first break. We extended our lead to 27-22 by halftime and as expected, Australia fought back. They won the third quarter 10-12 and we held on to a 37-34 lead,” Wells recalled.
“Last quarter, seven minutes in and leading by two, a rare and unthinkable occurrence, Temepara [George] is stood down by the umpire for two goals for perceived infringing.
“Of all the scenarios we had practised, we certainly hadn’t expected this one, but we had practised it and the training kicked in.
“Not a word was spoken while Temepara went and sat on a chair behind us and I remember Tania Dalton picking the spare centre bib from the seat beside me. Lesley Nicol came to the sideline, tore off her WD bib and Tania and I pressed the centre bib onto her chest.
“We were now six players against seven,” she said.
“Australia immediately scored two in a row and I could see Temepara crouching forward, eyes blazing, totally focused on the game. Score 40-40,” she continued.
“Temepara returned to the court with eight minutes to go and Australia scored again to lead 40-41.
“A total defensive effort by the Ferns saw a fired up Temepara take three intercepts and we scored five consecutive goals to lead 45-41.
“Not to be outdone, Australia then scored three in a row and the game then went goal for goal until Ferns defender Sheryl Scanlan sprinted out to the transverse line, and with a mighty leap intercepted the ball to bring the Ferns home 49-47.”
Insights like this one provided by Sheryl, Lady Wells are rare. The opportunity to re-live THAT game through her eyes, in her words, is just one reason why generations of netballers will be able to live this great game.
Want more great insights like this, PLUS cool videos and special offers? Join the team and become a SilverFan today!
Fans have the opportunity to support the Silver Ferns on the road to NWC2015 with the New World Netball Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy starting next week against Fiji at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua – get tickets!