A Word With ... Phillipa Finch | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

Tactix midcourter Phillipa Finch talks to Nick Tolerton before tomorrow's match against the Pulse

# Great win over the Steel last week - what was the key to it?

It was an awesome match. We just wanted to make sure we played our own game, kept consistent, patient, and steady, and made sure we didn't throw away our possession. And it worked for us.

# Must have given the girls a lot of confidence?

Yes, we know we can do it.

# Tomorrow should be your easiest match of the ANZ league?

Not necessarily. The Pulse can be unpredictable. Even though they haven't won a game yet, they're still pretty competitive. We just need to make sure we play our own game.

# What's the way to do it this week, then?

Still keeping control and possession of our own quality ball, but letting the ball go and still having confidence to do the good stuff that we want to do. And with Rachel Dunn in the team now, making sure she fits in nicely.

# Helen Mahon-Stroud is a new coach for you. What's impressed you?

She's just very athletic and she loves her fitness, and she's positive. She loves to give you positive feedback. And because she's a midcourter, I love having that experience as well. She's very calm, which is good for the quite young players as well.

# Has playing with Maree and Julie helped your game?

Definitely, and not necessarily playing the game, but training as well. They're such high-rate workers and just making sure I'm staying up there with them and pushing myself as well to be up there with them, that helps a lot. And then when it comes to the game, it's awesome.

# Nearly halfway through the league now. What other team has impressed you most?

I find the Australian teams strong because it's a different game play that they play. They're harder to mark, they're faster, they stay on the ground. Magic are obviously also up there as well with the strength they have from the five internationals they've got.

# Funniest thing you've seen on court?

Probably people tripping up over their feet. I remember Debbie White running around by herself, no one on her, and rolled her ankle running over her own feet.

# Favourite holiday destination?

I haven't been to Europe and I'd love to go there. I love going to places like Te Anau and Milford Sound, and camping there. I'm a southern girl.

# Can the Highlanders upset the Crusaders?

Going on the Highlanders' performances, definitely the Crusaders.

# Favourite TV programme?

Lost.

# Favourite movie?

Any comedies. Adam Sandler, I love his movies. And Jim Carrey.

# Desperate to see the Sex and the City movie?

Not really. I used to like the programme although I don't know how it will go as a movie.

# Any relevance to life in Dunedin?

No, the clothes that they wear, I don't think would be very suitable for Dunedin!

# Life away from netball?

I'm a primary teacher but just relief teaching at the moment. I'd like to do a veterinary nurse course, and open up my own kennels business. I've got a springer spaniel, Ollie, who's very cute and very adorable. He's just about two years but he acts like a puppy still. We go to the dog park and he's the king of the park all the dogs play with him!

# Who's your worst roommate?

I haven't had that many bad roommates. Probably the people that snore and sleep-talk. I get a bit concerned when they talk away in the middle of the night. Good roomies are the ones who are quite tidy and let you have the double bed!

# Most time in front of the mirror?

May be Bessie, or Victoria.

# Shopaholic?

I'd have to say myself. And Hayley Stockman. I'm a bit naughty. I don't really go for the cheap options, which my husband Regan is not too happy about!

# Other interests?

Sounds a wee bit corny, but I love to sew. And I love to paint, I do a lot of watercolours, contrasting and abstract type of thing. And I love the beach.

# You'd be looking forward to the transtasman segment of the season then?

Definitely. And I'm waiting for a honeymoon still - we're going off in August to the Gold Coast and then up the Sunshine Coast.