Netball legend's relishing bay stint.
Irene van Dyk has heard talk suggesting Otane are the only side capable of beating defending champions Napier Girls' High School in Hawke's Bay's Super 8 club netball competition.
But the former Silver Fern who is coaching BM Accounting HHSOG Huia doesn't want a bar of it.
"If we can make a strong start we can stick with them We can't let them get off to a flying start," van Dyk said in the countdown to Huia's clash with NGHS in Taradale's Pettigrew-Green Arena tomorrow night.
A multiple world champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, van Dyk, 48, is relishing her first season coaching in the Bay.
"I love the culture within our Huia team. I'm loving every minute of it. We're building every time we go out on the court. The girls just have to get their timing right," van Dyk said.
This season's Hawke's Bay women's coach, van Dyk, is impressed with the standard of competition within the Super 8.
"Obviously the teams haven't had a lot of time together because of Covid19 but the standard is high and the competition is tough. There is not a lot between the teams," she said.
However she has plenty of respect for the defending champs.
"They are a very well oiled machine. They have been together for quite some time and play beautiful netball. Hopefully our girls can produce a stellar performance ... it's going to be a big game," van Dyk said.
Having coached many of the NGHS players in the Bay's high performance clinics, van Dyk, is familiar with their strengths and weaknesses.
"They are amazing. In a way it's going to be like playing against my own girls. We have to focus on trying to turn over ball before it hits their attacking circle. Containing their fast midcourters will be crucial ... we have to work hard for every bit of ball."
Van Dyk heaped kudos on NGHS coach Charissa Barham.
"Charissa knows how to get a team to gel together."
At the same time van Dyk is impressed with the versatility within her squad which includes daughter Bianca at goal shoot.
"Many of our players can can play two or three positions and play them very well."
Experienced midcourter Jade Waldin has been consistent for Huia and van Dyk described promising wing defence as "our little Laura Langman."
The other 7.30pm match tomorrow will see Vet Services Central Sports take on Optimise Physio Outkast Sports. In 6pm games Thirsty Whale Otane Force will meet HGHS Senior A and Tremains All In Elusive will play House of Travel Havelock North Kauri.
