Our Year 9A and 10A netball teams travelled to Dunedin on Sunday 13th and Monday 14th September to compete in this annual - albeit somewhat delayed - tournament.

It was quite a mission to sort out the details of the arrangements but thanks to some great work by the management of each team the girls were able to have a great tournament experience. They travelled, played, ate, slept, reflected and set goals together becoming much stronger as team units and individual players as a result.

Year 10 A

Lost v Columba 31 - 39

Won v St Peters 38 -19

Finished 2nd in their pool.

In cross over pool play on day 2

Won v St Kevins 39 - 28

Won v Wakatipu 33 - 22

This put them into play offs for 7th and 8th against Cromwell. Sadly, despite leading for much of the game they finished in 8th place losing 31 - 34.

A great effort from all involved but special mention to Sarah Jamison who was named in the Talented Tournament players list.

Year 9A

Won v James Hargest 38 - 11

Won v Kavanagh 23 -12

Finished 1st in their pool

In cross over play on day 2

Lost v Columba 19 - 46

Won v Queens 30 - 19

This put them into play offs for 3rd and 4th against St Hildas. The girls battled very well to trail 10 -11 at half time. Unfortunately, the killer 3rd quarter was our undoing and despite winning the 4th quarter we finished 4th losing the game 21 - 27. It was apparent that there were a lot of tired bodies and minds on both teams come the end of the game.

This was an outstanding result for a team playing in their first tournament and only for the second time together as a team at the start of day one.

Exciting news that Diana Fonua, Emily Mavor and Maddy Phillips were all named amongst the Talented tournament players at this age group - a fabulous recognition of the talent amongst our players and coaches.

I am truly grateful for the hard work done by coaches; Kara Tartonne, Kaitlyn King and Milly Matthews for Year 9 and Leeanne Mavor, Laura Dunshea and Charlotte Weir at Year 10. Plus the behind the scenes work done by managers Nicole Phillips and Rebecca Fox - ladies you are awesome, this was one of the easiest trips I have ever been involved with. Thanks also to Vicky Jamison for her help with the Year 10 team.

We also could not have competed without our amazing umpires; Emily Taylor and Brieana Diedrichs. Both girls came to the attention of the umpire coach for the tournament, getting great feedback about their performance.

Waitaki Netball has an exciting future ahead if these results are anything to go by!