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The Northern Stars rose to expectations during their recent ANZ Premiership preseason match.
No number of tricks pulled by the Waikato/BOP Magic could stall the Stars as they won 68–48 at Papakura’s Pulman Arena.
An early lead by the Stars wasn’t threatened as they controlled the game from start to finish.
Although it won’t carry any weight into the regular season, some of the portents the performance presented should give fans faith that the three-time Premiership runners-up could have their moment in the sun this season.
Coach and former Silver Ferns captain, Temepara Bailey, confirmed that the fixture went as she had hoped.
“I’m really happy with the performance. We came off a really inconsistent training, so we wanted to ensure we had a good game here leading into our first round in a couple of weeks,” she told the Times. “There are still a few little things to work on, but we can have them covered in time for the first game of the season.”
Games are won on the court, but work during the offseason already appears to be paying off.
The Stars will start the regular season with a new assistant coach (the legendary Leana de Bruin), a new captain (Mila Reuelu-Buchanan) rising from the ranks and some key signings.
Despite a well-rounded team performance, Silver Fern shooter Amelia Walmsley was a standout on the night, seemingly unstoppable beneath the hoop.
“She was amazing!” Bailey said. “I’m so glad she’s come home to us.”
The daughter of former Black Cap, Kerry Walmsley, the Howick College and Comets shooter is a prodigal daughter returned, having plied her trade for the Tactix and Pulse during recent seasons.
Soon after her signing, she said she had come full circle.
“Coming from Auckland and being able to wear that purple dress and represent my original home will be really special,” Walmsley said at the time.
“I have worn other dresses, and those places have become second homes, but it means a lot to be able to come back to Auckland, and it will be awesome to be able to play in front of family and friends.”
The loss of former captain, Maia Wilson, who was picked up by the Northern Mystics, will be felt. However, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan appeared commanding on court.
Others new to the roster include Silver Ferns Martina Salmon up front, Claire O’Brien in the mid-court and a dogged Aussie defender, Aimee Landrigan, on defence.
Despite a reshuffle, the new additions have settled in, Bailey says.
“The new players who have come in already seem like old players because we’ve been together almost seven weeks now.
“As a team, they worked really well. They know our values and how to play together as a unit, so they’re all Stars now.”
As for the future, a solid 37–15 win by Howick/Pakuranga in the curtain-raiser, an Under 18s clash against Fiji, showed the Stars are backed by strong, local grassroots.
In the future, more players of the calibre of Walmsley and another former Howick College Star, Lili Tokaduadua (GD/GK), could help the Stars build a dynasty.
