Silver Ferns defender Jane Watson named as on-court captain for the Mainland Tactix after losing Jess Maclennan for the rest of the domestic season to injury - writes sports reporter Ravinder Hunia
Defender Jane Watson will captain the Tactix for the rest of the ANZ Premiership season Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz
The Mainland Tactix currently sit in third place on the ANZ Premiership ladder and believe losing captain Jess Maclennan won't hinder their positive start to the season.
Maclennan suffered serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage to her right knee after a fall against the Central Pulse in round two.
The 28-year-old is no stranger to serious injury, last year she sat out the inaugural season leading the side from the bench after rupturing her left ACL while captaining New Zealand A against England in a practice match in August 2016.
Tactix defender Jess Maclennan during last week's match against the Pulse Photo: © www.Photosport.nz 2018
The Christchurch-based side have won two from three games so far and coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek says in terms of preparation and strategy, nothing changes.
"It's the same combination that we've been playing, we haven't got new combinations to solidify but it changes the options." says Delaney-Hoshek
"it's a bit of a blow but I'm confident that we've got the leadership and skills to keep going."
The Tactix have called on the services of two BEKO players to rotate through the team's defensive end but no permanent decisions have been made in terms of a replacement for Maclennan.
One sure change is the announcement that Silver Ferns defender Jane Watson will take over as on-court captain when the side face the Northern Stars tomorrow night.
"She's a natural leader anyway so it's no different because she's always yelling on the court so that's been quite an easy slot." says Delaney-Hoshek
"Maclennan will remain in the leadership group because there is still a lot that she can give to the team."
The Tactix will host the Northern Stars tomorrow night for the final game of round three.
- RNZ
