Match Preview: Stars v Steel

TEAM NEWS:

The southern juggernaut rolls on after a record-breaking performance against the Silvermoon Tactix.

New records were etched in the Premiership books with the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel putting 90 goals on against the Tactix and 70 of those coming from star shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid.

Captain Wendy Frew praised the “consistency” from her charges who barely missed a beat despite coach Reinga Bloxham testing a number of combinations.

“We’re just a bunch of girls having fun and working hard for each other,” Frew said of their success so far.

They have netted over 70 goals in every outing this season including the 75 they scored in a first round win over the Northern Stars.

But the northern side won’t be able to focus just on the record-setting Fowler-Reid if they are to halt the winning streak of the Steel.

The southerners continue to show they are strong in all areas of the court including the bench where Bloxham has given regular court time to Abby Erwood, Jamie Hume and more recently Beko Netball League player Ngawai Eyles.

The Stars defensive combination of Leana de Bruin, Sulu Fitzpatrick and Kayla Cullen should however prove a sterner test for the Steel frontline.

WHO TO WATCH:

Jhaniele Fowler-Reid (Steel) – the Jamaican shooter set a new record last week netting a record personal haul (70 from 75) and is proving unstoppable after four rounds.Her mobility, accuracy and rebounding ability make her one of the hardest shooters to mark in the game.

Shannon Francois (Steel) versus Courtney Tairi (Stars) – the Steel centre was the go-to-girl for her side last week with an impressive 53 feeds to the shooting circle and 22 goal assists against the Tactix.Tairi has been switching between the centre and wing roles up front but her experience may be needed in the middle against the strengths of Francois.

Sulu Fitzpatrick (Stars) – leading the way in the Premiership for intercepts (15) the former Silver Fern is growing with every outing for the Stars.Came off the bench for her side last week and wasted little time picking up four intercepts and three deflections.

HOW TO WATCH:

NZ-based fans can tune into SKY Sport 1 and FanPass to catch all the action live from 7.30pm. International fans (outside NZ) can watch all the action live on the ANZ Premiership Facebook page.