The Silver Ferns with the Supreme Halberg Trophy. Credit: Photo/www.silverferns.co.nz The Silver Ferns' dominated the Halberg Awards for 2020 going home with two prestigious awards which included the Team of the year and the Supreme Halberg Award. Their illustrious Head Coach Dame Noeline Taurua was also named Coach of the Year and received the Leadership Award.
It was an indelible night for Netball New Zealand and Women in Sport as every major award expect for Sportsman of the Year went to a female athlete. After everything that the Ferns went through from finishing the 2018 Commonwealth Games without a medal, ranking fourth in the world and bringing Taurua in, their journey to this moment certainly wasn't easy. I don't think anyone could've turned the Ferns' fortunes around like Taurua and that is a testament to the mastermind that she is. As well as the tenacity and willingness of her players. As Captain Laura Langman who was also nominated for Sportswoman of the year led her teammates onto the stage, she spoke about the resilience of her team and the pride that they carry as New Zealanders. She spoke of a time when at the Netball World Cup last July, she had to talk about the characteristics of the national bird, the Kiwi. Despite the bird being flightless she said that its got a "savage ground game." Langman added that she is proud to be a Kiwi and as the country watched at home, it only made us even more grateful to call this place home. The Silver Ferns stood on the stage as World Champions, and as an inspiration for what is truly possible.
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Left: Stephanie Wood, middle: Laura Langman and right: Geva Mentor celebrate an incredible win against the Melbourne Vixens to clinch their maiden Grand Final appearance. Sunday was host to a remarkable performance by the Sunshine Coast Lightning who secured a spot in the Grand Final of the Australian Super Netball League when they beat the Melbourne Vixens by a single point 56-55.
It was another milestone to add to kiwi Laura Langman's illustrious career and Head Coach Noeline Taurua who is if not the best but one of the best New Zealand netball coaches. It would be the icing on the cake if Taurua and Langman are able to win the championship seeing as they are on Aussie soil. The Lightning have got home advantage in the final and will be playing either the Vixens or the Giants. I just want to say that it is a very sad day for the whole Netball community and for all sports fans. Although I didn't get the chance to watch Tania Dalton in action, from what I hear I understand that she was an exceptional player and an amazing person. I remember seeing Tania at the North Shore Events Centre last year for a basketball competition, and it will definitely be something I won't forget. It won't be the same without Tania in front of the camera or commentating, but I can humbly say that Tania gave me some inspiration as my goal in the future is to be a sports journalist. Prayers and thoughts are with Tania Dalton's family and may Tania Dalton rest in paradise!
Left: Laura Geitz defends Right: Silver Ferns shooter Bailey Mes at the Netball World Cup 2015
Australia's Golden Girl Laura Geitz hasn't played international netball since last years constellation cup and in fact hasn't played any netball since the ANZ Championship Grand Final against the NSW Swifts on July 31. On Sunday the 28 year old announced that her and husband Mark Gilbride are expecting their first child early next March. Geitz found it hard to keep the special news a secret from her firebird teammates, but eventually got to tell them after their consecutive grand final win. "This will be my last game in the purple dress [the Firebirds' distinctive uniform colour] for a while. I've been offered the most amazing job opportunity for next year that I just can't turn down. You get to a point in your life where you realise that when some job opportunities come along, they are just too good to let go," she said. "So, next year, I'm going to be a Mum." Geitz was 9 weeks pregnant during the grand final and faced morning sickness. "I kept worrying I was was going to have to go off the court to vomit." Geitz will not be playing in next years season or in this years constellation cup, instead focusing on motherhood. Laura Geitz has had much success that it would be a surprise for any netball fan across the World to not know of her. She debuted for Australia in 2008 and was made skipper of the side in 2013. She has since lead the team to Commonwealth and World Cup victories. |