KHS Senior A Netball team had the opportunity to participate in a Netball “Experience” in place of the usual South Island Secondary Schools' Tournament.

Travelling down to Timaru on Sunday, September 30th in the 22 ̊ heat and blowing a nor westerly wind, the team arrived and settled into the Top Ten Holiday Park for most of the week.

There were 16 teams that participated and therefore four pools of four were created. After pool play was completed, each team took a seeding into their new pool. Kaiapoi finished 2nd, therefore a new pool was created with all the schools that were 2nd. In this pool were Marian College, Burnside High and Lincoln High. This is exactly where the team needed to be, to learn and to make progress over the games. And that is exactly what happened. All three games were losses, but were highly competitive and all losses were within two to eight goals. Luckily, as the weather deteriorated, these games were transferred into the stadium to avoid the cold and bitter snow!

The team represented the School admirably both on and off the court, and now know what it takes to compete daily in a tournament environment. There are learnings to take away from all events but with the “Real Deal” SISS to be played at the same venue next year, hopefully our new team members realise now what to expect in 2021!

As per usual, a big “shout out” to the people that make it all click together and run like clockwork; Linda Bowen for managing the team and Steph Box for her work on the side-lines. Finally, a big thank you to the girls that make this event a highlight on the sporting calendar. Our girls continue to be a delight to coach and travel away with, as they encompass our values of respect, integrity, community and excellence! Bring on 2021!

Jayne Dewe, Coach