Sporting Tribute Tears Trust & Triumph Behind The Ferns' Epic Win

How They Learned to Believe in Themselves

- Kelly Bertrand

It took a moment for Laura Langman to realise they’d done it. As her Silver Fern teammates began to run towards her, their arms outstretched and their joyful screams ringing through Liverpool Arena, the captain fantastic glanced up at the scoreboard and leapt into the air.

After 16 years of almosts and not quites, our gals had finally won the Netball World Cup, pipping Australia 52 goals to 51.

It was a fairytale in all respects, a true underdog story for the ages following a turbulent 12 months of the lowest lows and constant change, led by visionary coach Noeline Taurua.

It had it all: the tales of redemption, such as Katrina Rore’s stunning recall following her heartbreaking exclusion last year; the tantalising twists, such as Laura’s return to the Ferns following a period of ineligibility; and perhaps the best of all, the perfect endings to the international careers of three of the game’s finest athletes, Laura, Casey Kopua and Maria Folau.

But, as Laura admits, it didn’t come easy for the squad – her team of Casey, Maria, Katrina, Jane Watson, Karin Burger, Ameliaranne Ekanasio, Shannon Saunders, Gina Crampton, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Bailey Mes and Phoenix Karaka.

“We always said it was going to be bumpy, and jeepers it was like, squeeze your bum cheeks together, that’s for sure!” she told former Silver Fern JennyMay Clarkson afterwards. “But, I feel really proud to have done it for people like Casey May, who’s given so much to the game. It’s been an incredible journey.”