Irene van Dyk was the centre of attention in New Zealand's 87-24 Commonwealth Games victory over the Cook Islands today.
The match, just a gentle outing for the Silver Ferns, was special because it gave van Dyk her record 111th test cap for New Zealand, pushing her to the top of the list ahead of Lesley Rumball.
Van Dyk's mark is all the more astonishing because before she immigrated to New Zealand in 2000, she had logged 72 appearances for South Africa. Her total of 183 test caps is the world record.
It was a relaxed van Dyk today.She was given the honour of leading the New Zealanders on court and waiting for the whistle to start play she shared a joke with Cook Islands goal defence Luciana Matenga, daughter of former New Zealand great Marghie Matenga.
"This has been a very special week for me, said van Dyk. I feel blessed, moving to New Zealand and now having this record [number of test caps]."I never dreamed I would be able to play so long. I have been lucky I have not missed games through injury, and playing for New Zealand gives me the chance to get more test caps because New Zealand plays so often."As with New Zealand's first outing at these games, against Papua New Guinea, the match soon lost its competitive spark because New Zealand were far too good - too tall, too fast and too accurate.
They led 24-8 at quarter-time, by which time goal shoot van Dyk had notched a perfect 15 from 15 record.The 38-year-old was rested for the second spell, then reappeared for a further 15 minutes at goal attack as Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken took the chance to give all her squad except midcourter ailing Temepara George more court time.
George is suffering from an inner ear infection, which affects her balance. She said she was better today and warmed up for the match, but still felt a little dizzy. She hopes to be able to play in the next match.
New Zealand led 42-17 at halftime and the game became more lopsided as the Cooks tired. By three-quarter time New Zealand had stretched their lead to 67-19.
For New Zealand, shooter Maria Tutaia looked especially effective, moving effortlessly and shooting with unerring accuracy.
Anna Scarlett, played at wing defence, rather than in the circle, moved well and her height clearly caused the Cooks players problems.
There was a moment of concern for New Zealand early in the fourth quarter when captain Casey Williams took a heavy fall and limped off the court.
Casey Williams, playing her 50th test, hurt her knee when she took a tumble in the fourth quarter.
Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken said it was a hard fall. But it's just a sore knee rather than anything worse."
Though the Cook Islands were outclassed, their small but vocal band of supporters lent them ceaselss support.
Cooks goal shooter Curly George was a particular favourite, and her habit of punching the air each time she netted a goal delighted her supporters.
Aitken said she was looking forward to getting some tougher matches. "It's been good to have a couple of hit-outs and get the players on court. But we're ready to move up a notch now. We'll have a high-intensity training session and then roll on Thursday."
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