Frew: we are united together and this won’t stop us
The ANZ Premiership is pleased to confirm Wednesday night’s match between the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel and Silvermoon Tactix at Christchurch’s Horncastle Arena will go ahead as scheduled.
ANZ Premiership officials are working closely with Steel chief executive Lana Winders to bring in replacement players as needed for the match as the team recovers from Monday’s car accident.
“No team plans to be dealing with an emergency incident like this but we are in a position to present a team tomorrow because of the commitment of our players and the depth in our development ranks,” Winders said.
“Our tagline has always been ‘made of Steel’ – now we get to prove it.”
The Steel team van with six players on board was involved in a crash at the intersection of Memorial Ave and Clyde Road in Fendalton on Monday. The van was struck by another vehicle and ended up on its side resulting in four players taken to the A and E Department at Christchurch Hospital.
Midcourter Shannon Francois and shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid sustained minor injuries and were released later that day. Shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit suffered a rib injury and was released to recover with the team last night while captain Wendy Frew was admitted overnight.
Frew underwent surgery to repair injuries to her elbow and leg and is expected to be discharged later today.
Steel lead physiotherapist Corina Ngatuere said player recovery would be “gauged day by day” and remained the team’s top priority.
“No decisions have been made regarding player availability for future games and won’t be until we are further through the recovery process,” she said.
Renowned for her tenaciousness, Frew was adamant she would be “back on the court in no time”.
“We are united together and this won’t stop us,” she said.
The accident was traumatic for the team.
“It’s like a nightmare – it’s such an awful, scary experience to be involved in for all of us. But we are a strong team and a strong franchise and we will get through it together. We’ve just got to look forward.”
Frew said members of the public at the scene and the medical staff involved with the team’s care were “exceptional”.
“Everyone has just been incredible – people didn’t hesitate to help. And I’ve had so many kind messages which I am truly grateful for.”
The Silvermoon Tactix will host the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel, in game one of a Wednesday night doubleheader, at 6pm at Horncastle Arena. Fans can catch all the action live on SKY Sport 1, overseas fans (outside NZ) via the ANZ Premiership Facebook page.