The Swifts have been welcomed by the Southern Steel players, staff and fans in Invercargill for a fantastic day of community activities and a light 40 minute training game against the hosts.
The morning started with a two-hour Community Coaching clinic featuring the stars of Steel and Swifts with over 50 participants, as well as friends and family in attendance.
Then it was into game preparation with the Swifts welcoming two local netballers from the region to support the side. Earlier this week the seven-time Premiers were forced to make big changes to their travelling side as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Losa Fifita, a dynamic aerial defender fromInvercargill joined the side for a run today, pairing up with Swifts Training Partner Kalea Iongi in the circle.
In the midcourt, former Netball NSW Premier League netballer Charlotte Lourey, who now lives in Invercargill working as a paramedic, combined with Swifts Training Partner Lili Gorman- Brown and QBE Swifts Academy player Kiara Bloor in the middle.
Star Swifts attacker Sophie Fawns captained the side, supported by Gorman-Brown.
“Today was a great run for both teams – and full credit to the work of the Southern Steel side," Swift assistant coach Nat Avellino said.
“The Southern Steel side are a strong side and their defensive systems were a fresh challenge for us. It is always exciting to work through on court defensive pressure and today I was really pleased with how well our players were thinking out there and we did learn a lot.
“It was great for our players to experience athletes of the international calibre of Silver Ferns’ midcourter Sam Winders feeding England Roses’ George Fisher at shooter, along with the recent winner of the Quad Series midcourt MVP Kate Heffernan at Centre. Southern
Steel have some really exciting netball coming in season 2023.”
Training Game result
Swifts 25 Steel 42
Q1 | 7 - 12
Q2 | 4 – 8 (11 – 20)
Q3 | 8 – 11 (19 – 31)
Q4 | 6 – 11 (25 – 42)
Team List:
Sophie Fawns – NSW Swifts & Swifts #101 (c)
Lil Gorman-Brown – Swifts Training Partner & Swifts #102 (vc)
Kiara Bloor – QBE Swifts Academy
Kalea Iongi – Swifts Training Partner
Charlotte Smith – QBE Swifts Academy
Dakota Thomas – Swifts Training Partner
Lauren Woods – QBE Swifts Academy
Losa Fifita – Southern Blast (2022), Invercargill
Charlotte Lourey – GWS Fury, Netball NSW Premier League (2021)
