This week marked a much anticipated chapter in our school's sports calendar as netball fever hit the Recreation Centre. Our enthusiastic students from Room 19 and Room 16 participated in the Year 5-6 and Year 7-8 netball competitions that spanned over two action-packed days. Armed with sportsmanship, our teams took to the court, showcasing skill, teamwork, and determination.

Through seven matches each, our netballers developed in skill and confidence. There was a contrast in the players as some were seasoned veterans, and some had never set foot on a netball court before. Each player tried out new positions and after a few matches, teams began experimenting with strategic plays. 

A highlight was the privilege of meeting Georgia Heffernan, a member of the Southern Steel and Silver Ferns Development Team. Her presence offered a connection between the professional realm of netball and the aspirations of our budding players.

Here's what our players had to share about their favourite aspects: 

"It was fun because I have never played. It makes me want to play netball next year." Mika Nakajima

"It was a good experience." Graham Twaddle

"Really fun and I've never played netball before and I didn't know how to play. I enjoyed it and we won our last game." Jesse Powell

"It was as fun as a roller coaster." Brooklyn Landreth

"It was as exciting as a calf being born." Indi Hartvigsen

"I liked it because I could score goals as the goal attacker." Riley Nish

"I like versing different teams and it was great because people who hadn't played got to play." Khloe Dawkins

"It was fun and all of us got to go and we all got a turn to play." Lillian Tyrell

"Fantastic. I blocked a goal. I also got to be a shooter and a goal keeper." Max Alsop-Coleman

"I liked it very much because there was so much exercise. I really like shooting." Girik Batra

"I enjoyed playing in the Goal Defence position because I got to work hard at getting the ball." Cooper Landreth

"I liked getting out of school." Anashae Logie

"The best thing was meeting Georgia Heffernan and I found my new favourite position, Goal Keep." Ruby Watt

"I liked the 10 minute games, and the breaks between the games." Isla Berney

"I enjoyed playing outside." Laniah Shute

"It was good to play a sport with fast-paced movement. I really liked goal attack." Blair Munro

Already, the anticipation for next year's competition is the talk among our students. Thanks to South Otago Netball, New World Balclutha and Fonterra for the supporting the event once again. Thank you to our TICs (Teachers in Charge) Taylor Bichan and Nathan Bloxham, and to our parent helps, Shelley Povey, Louise Munroe and Nat Harrex. Thank you for coaching, managing and inspiring our future silver ferns!