netball news
Baywide Year 8
"It will be interesting to see who emerges as the winner over this demanding day," said Raewyn Harvey. There are a number of teams who could emerge as the champions and so there was a reluctance to name one. However, the positive is that these teams benefited from the day in the rain and it would be nice to think that a fine day at Harbourside will see the teams produce some quality netball.
The draw is attached to this news item.
Baywide Year 8 Draw
Who Will Emerge As Secondary School Champions?
The Draw for the Final Day will see teams play two matches before moving into a winners and losers draw. Most of the pundits are picking Tauranga Girls College this year given their inter school victories and their dominance in the Harbourside Competition. However, anything can happen when teams are expected to front for more than one game over the day and so it will be exciting to see who emerges as the 2010 Champions. The draw is attached to this news item.
BOP Polytecnic Baywide Secondary Schools Draw
Rain Challenges Year 8 & Secondary School Teams
The rain poured all day but the Year 8 & Secondary School teams played on in Rotorua knowing that inclement weather has been very much a feature of UNISS & NZ AIMS events over the past few years. Opotiki College were faced with no way to reach Rotorua but will be included for the up coming matches to be played indoors at the Mount Action Centre.
"We are taking the second weekend of the BOP Polytechnic Secondary Schools indoors because with the flu bugs about and the possibility of another wet weekend we thought that this would help reduce the likelihood of players catching a chill one week out from UNISS,"said NBOP Events Coordinator, Raewyn Harvey. "We cannot do this for the Baywide Year 8 this year but next year we may be lucky enough to have access to the new BayPark Stadium with its 9 courts."
"There were some good high scoring games at both Year 8 & Secondary School despite the weather and some teams adapted much more quickly than others," said Lyndsay Meads.
The BOP Polytechnic Baywide Secondary Schools saw 8 teams emerge in the top grouping - Tauranga Girls, Nga Aka (Whakatane), Bethlehem, Reporoa, Kawerau, Rotorua Girls, Otumoetai & Whakatane. The other 8 who will compete in the second division are John Paul, Te Puke, Trident, Katikati, Mount Maunganui, Western Heights, Rotorua HS Senior A and Opotiki.
Umpiring Excitement
Kay Butler has been appointed to umpire at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Tournament in October. Her achievement was applauded by the Bay of Plenty Gold & Blue Triallists who have come to respect Kay for the many hours of training and her efforts to reach the highest possible level. Kay is seen here in action at the North Harbour Under 17 Tournament.
The other umpire who is causing delight is Lexi Hutchinson of Netball Rotorua. Lexi has just passed her NZ Regional Theory Examination which is great for Netball in Rotorua.
Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Baywide Secondary Schools Sees 16 Teams
Sixteen teams have entered the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Baywide Secondary Schools and while the age and experience of the Tauranga Girls College's top side should see them emerge as winners. Currently this side has had no diffculty with their opposition in the Harbourside competition. Rotorua Girls High used the Baywide Open to test themselves and give experience to the youngsters in the side and they will be better for this. "This is a very different type of competition with teams needing to back up and deliver over two weekends rather than on the weekly bais that the secondary schools are so used to," said Arahi Wall who oversees the Player Development at the younger level. "Whatever happens it will be good to see what the teams can do prior to UNISS where the draw and competition is much more cut throat."
BOP Secondary Schools Preparing for UNISS
The Upper North Island Secondary Schools Tournament known as UNISS is upper most in the minds of coaches and players in the Bay of Plenty. The BOP Polytechnic Baywide Secondary Schools will be played on August 15 and 22nd and will be the final chance teams have to test themselves prior to the big event at the Auckland Netball Centre. There are 100 teams competing in this event to be held over the week 31 August to 4 September. The A & B Grade have 32 teams each while the C grade has 36.
Kawerau College, Rotorua Girls High School & Tauranga Girls College are in the A Grade. The majority of the teams from the Region are in the B Grade.
UNISS TEAMS 2010
Coach Has Headache Choosing Bay of Plenty Gold
Mary Jane Araroa put a lot of thought into choosing her side for the upcoming Lion Foundation Netball Championships. "Ëach trial showed different possibilities and for me it was about who made a point of difference, offered something more than the other player vying for that position or positions. Sunday's trial saw Libby Drake give me the greatest headache and I guess you could say that she is the wild card."
The Blue Team will have another trial this coming Wednesday and the group will be narrowed to a squad for a few weeks.
Bay of Plenty Gold & Blue Trials See Great Blend of Youth & Experience
Mary Jane Araroa coach of the Bay of Plenty Gold Team was impressed with the in cirlce defense at the first trial. "It was good to see Amy Christophers, Erena Mikaere and Billy Pritchard mixing it up at the defense end with youngsters Stacie Niao and Libby Drake. All players have plenty to work on and we gave them that advice at the end of the night but at the same time told them what they were doing well."
Carol Holt Coach of the Blue Team is patiently waiting until the Gold side is selected.
Baywide MVP's Saw Two Rotorua Players Chosen
The Championship MVP was Erena Mikaere of Whakarewarewa Red. Performing consistently over the two matches on Finals Day Erena very much impressed the Bay of Plenty Gold Coach Mary Jane Araroa with her ability to intercept shots at goal and any loose balls that came her way.
The Plate MVP was Samantha Sinclair who was the only Under 15 player in the NBOP under 17 Premier side. The youngster from John Paul College in Rotorua is showing a great deal of promise as a midcourter.
Baywide Finals Day Saw First Class Matches
The Baywide Champions for 2010 are the NBOP Under 19's. In a Grand Final that ebbed and flowed it was a superior level of fitness that saw the young side get the better of Whakarewarewa Red in the end.
The much fancied Rotorua side, Whakarewarewa Red, led for most of the first quarter but the determination of the Under 19 defence, Stacie Niao and Mariah Ririnui kept troubling the Whaka shooters. The two goal lead 11 to 9 in favour of Whaka was clawed back in the second quarter and the Under 19's finished ahead at half time by one goal at 18 to 17.
The third quarter saw Whaka re group and play with a lot more ball control throughout the court. Moving Melissa Ruru from Centre to GD had a positive impact for the Rotorua side and the superb defensive work of Erena Mikaere saw Whaka storm strongly back into the match to lead 31 to 27 at the three quarter break. However, the final stanza was very much the Under 19's. Their dominance throughout the court saw them win the quarter 15 to 6 and so become Baywide Champions with a final score of 42 to 37.
Mount Sports won the bronze with their 55 to 35 win over Ngongotaha who had shown promise in the final pool play rounds but they could not push on when it came to Finals Day.
The Baywide Plate Final saw the experience of Sports Opotiki win over the youth of the NBOP Under 17 Team. The young side hung onto the four goal deficit from the first quarter right until the end of the third quarter when Sports Opotiki led 38 to 34. The final quarter saw Exia Edwards (Opotiki Sports)urge her side to victory with each pass and the 50 to 38 win saw an elated group of very experienced players enjoy the moment. Poroporo Rewatu won the Bronze with their 60 to 52 win over Huia Mai.
Bay of Plenty Age Group Teams Take Big Step Up
There is quite some excitement around the Bay of Plenty among coaches, managers, players, parents and schools and justifiably so following this years representative age group teams performances. The 4 NBOP Under 15 teams aquitted themselves well at the Taranaki Event with the region's Under 15 premier team finishing fourth and having Amanda Harvey (Tauranga Girls)named in the Tournament Team.
The North Harbour Under 17's saw Bay of Plenty Blue finish runners up to the top Netball North Under 17 Team and Bay of Plenty Gold finish third after being defeated by one goal by NBOP Blue in the semis.Katie Crooks (Opotiki College), Desma Koia (Western Heights High School) and Abi May (Otumoetai College) were all named in the Tournament Team.
The Under 19's performance in Otago was quite outstanding at the New Zealand Age group Championships, finsihing 5th with Harley Smith the second best shooter at the event.
"The Board are just so pleased to see the strategies that have been put in place for Player Development really beginning to have some impact. We have worked hard on not only individual but also competitive development strategies and while we would have liked to have seen some of the results to come a little quicker we are delighted that they are beginning to occur," said Board Chair Shirley Baker.
Baywide Championship & Baywide Plate Finalists Determined
Saturday will see the Baywide Champions for 2010 decided now that the final rankings have been determined. "At the start of the campaign everyone had their money on Whakarewarewa Red qualifying as number one to go into Finals Day," said CEO Sheryl Dawson, "but what has emerged is that the NBOP Under 19 team have finished top after their 68 to 61 defeat of Ngongotaha Premiers (2), who also defeated Whakarewarewa Red (3). Mount Sports managed a win over Sports Opotiki to finish in the top four."
The Plate sees Sports Opotiki, NBOP Under 17's, Poroporo Rewatu and Huia Mai vying for the Plate medals.
The draw for Saturday July 17 at QEYC is as follows
9:45am - Baywide Plate Semis
Sports Opotiki vs Huia Mai
NBOP Under 17's vs Poroporo Rewatu
11:15am - Baywide Championship Semis
NBOP Under 19's vs Mount Sports
Ngongotaha Premiers vs Whakarewarewa Red
Plate Finals at 12:45pm
Championship Final 2:15pm
Presentations to follow.
Holiday Programmes for the Eastern Bay
Holiday Programmes are being offered in both Whakatane and Kawerau for 7 to 12 year olds. The level of interest among youngsters at gthe two Centres has risen since the ANZ Discovery Day. "Parents are looking for more learning opportunities and the youngsters just want to be better," said MJary Jane Araroa. "The programmes will be fun but we will make sure that when we need to be serious we are."
Lion Foundation and Age Group Reps will be busy helping with the day. "Role models are important and we have a number of good ones to use in the Eastern Bay for each week as they return from representing the Bay of Plenty," said Mary Jane.
Registration Form for Kawerau Holiday Programme
Rep Coaches Delighted With Day In The Waikato
Two of the eight teams came away with prizes for their division which is a first for the Region. The Under 19 Team won on a count back of goals in their division despite some disappointing moments that had coach Teresa Pou testing her thinking about what to do next. The team has a number of players who are extremely capable but over the day WD Libby Drake would have been the pick of the bunch.
The Under 17 Blue team coached by Megan Lacy came together reasonably well to take out their division.
Baywide Draw Will See Rankings For FInals Day
Marist Shakers and Huia Mai have been given the choice of dates to play their match to determine who will make the final four for the Baywide Plate and who will miss the cut.
The draw will give the final rankings for the Baywide Championship and Baywide Plate semi and final matches.
Baywide Draw For Final Three Rounds & Finals Day
Age Group Reps Raring To Go
The 8 Age Group Rep teams have been training for the past 6 weeks and now they get the chance to test themselves against teams drawn mainly from Taupo north at the Annual Age Group event run by Netball Waikato in Hamilton. For many of the players it will be an 5am start which is never enjoyed by the players.
The Under 19 side coached by Teresa Pou will play full length matches of four 10 minute quarters and will come up against Auckland Waitakere B, Waikato Black and Manurewa. The Under 17 Premier side coached by Rangi Ward will play 5 ten minute each way matches against Manawatu, Auckland, North, Auckland Waitakere and Hamilton which will test the young sides mettle. The Under 17 Gold coached by Pauline Craven and Under 17 Blue coached by Megan Lacy will both be able to see their players for the first time in a truly competitive environment.
The four Under 15 teams are excited about their first outing and coaches Sharmaine Bunting, Sarah Pretty, Lucy Whale and Adele Phillips will be keen to channel this excitement into their play.
Baywide Open Sees Whakarewarewa Red & Ngongotaha Premiers Leading the Way
Whakarewarewa Red and Ngongotaha Premiers have both gone through the section play undefeated and the next test prior to Baywide Finals Day will be to see who wins the top seeding. Sports Opotiki, NBOP Under 19 and Mount Sports all look likely contenders for the Baywide Championship and the next three rounds will determine the team that will drop into the Baywide Plate. Marist Shakers and Rotorua Girls High School both have a last attempt to make the Playe section.
Baywide Results with Goals For & Against
Discovery Days Continue To See Huge Numbers
One of the additional benefits of the ANZ Discovery Days is that the Secondary Schools who bank with the ANZ are invited to listen to the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic player who supports the day. Casey Williams is seen in the photo talking to a group of netballers from Tauranga Girls College upstairs at the Mount Action Centre while the 115 Year 5 & 6 players are run through the stations downstairs.
While the young players loved having Casey appear at their day it was clear that the focus on each activity was also a key for many of them who made it obvious that they wanted to be better and impress.
View images...
Baywide Open Sees Top Teams Begin To Emerge
This years Baywide Open is being dominated by Wkarewarewa Red and Ngongotaha Premiers and it will be up to the NBOP Under 19 Team to come up with their best on Finals Day if there is goinvg to be any change to the top flight match up.
The matches continue to be free flowing high scoring affairs with most games realizing two goals a minute.
Ngongotaha Premier 74 Huia Mai 42
Whakrewarewa Red 63 Mount Sports 34
NBOP Under 19 65 NBOP Under 17 48
Sports Opotiki 57 RGHS 40
Poroporo Rewatu 71 Marist Shakers 44
Click here to download the pdf
Scores Get Closer in Baywide Open
Round Three in the Baywide Open has seen the scores get closer as the teams find their feet and the draw moves nearer to determing the finals groupings. Ngongotaha Premier and Whakarewarewa Red look the teams to beat althought the NBOP Under 19 with all of its players may provide a stronger challenge.
Ngongotaha Premier 56 Rotorua Girls Prem 1 44
Mount Sports 52 Marist Shakers 43
Whakarewarewa Red 48 NBOP Under 19 42
Poroporo Rewatu 57 Huia Mai 51
Sports Opotiki 56 NBOP Under 17's 49
Click here to download the pdf
Floods Spoil Round Two Of Baywide Open
With two matches cancelled because the NBOP Under 19 could not get through at Matata to play Poroporo Rewatu in Whakatane and Sports Opotiki could not get to Rotorua because of the floods and the road closure it means two ganes will now have to be played at some other time.
Again there were some high scoring games with Ngongotaha Premier defeating Mount Sports 81 to 50 and Whakarewarewa Red defeating Marist 72 to 22. The only other match played saw the NBOP Under 17's defeat Rotorua Girls High School 65 to 32.
Baywide Open Off To High Scoring Start
Week One of the Baywide Open saw a number of high scoring games where the final score did not necessarily reflect the quality of the performance put in by the losing side. There are two divisions who will compete for the next five weeks to determine how the re group will occur as teams push toward the Finals Day on July 17.
Mount Sports - 56 Poroporo Rewatu - 40
Ngongotaha Premiers - 76 NBOP Under 17 - 49
Huia Mai - 36 Rotorua Girls High School - 35
NBOP Under 19 - 68 Marist Shakers - 37
Wharewarewa Red - 61 Sports Opotiki - 35
Netball New Zealand CEO To Visit
Raelene Castle, the Netball New Zealand CEO, will spend two hours with people drawn from around the Bay of Plenty on May 30. The visit forms part of the major review being carried out within the game in New Zealand. Being called a structural review many people inside the game believe that the focus should be on the connections and communication within the game given that the current regional structure was put in place in 1999 without a great deal of understanding as to what was expected at that time and it is only now that some of the Regions have overcome the barriers that occurred with the creation of new boundaries.
"We are all waiting to see what Sunday brings."
Four Under 15 Teams To Go Taranaki
The decision to take 4 Under 15 Teams to Taranaki has not been taken lightly by the team at Netball Bay of Plenty. "Once the Premier Team was chosen we then looked closely at the remaining players and it was quite obvious that it was too difficult to separate some,"said Arahi Wall. "We had four coaches and it seemed sensible to make it work for all."
The Premier Team will be coached by Sharmaine Bunting and managed by Judy Keys.
Shooters
Simone Te Kani
Shaitana Newton
Eden Bossomworth
Midcourters
Alice Bain
Shemiah Thomas
Soltice Morrison
Hannah Scown
Danni Taylor
Defenders
Amanda Harvey
Courtenay Wilson
Whitney Wahapango
Jaz Klinkert
Gold will be coached by Adele Phillips and managed by Gerry Waitai.
Defenders
Arianna Abbot
Levi Herewini
Jessie Koia
Teaomarama Tukaokao
Midcourters
Shaedyn Oxenham
Mikayla Apiti
Ashleigh Ranapia
Sam Grace
Shooters
Moana Whare
Ani Black
Julia Hartley
Grace Namana
Blue will be coached by Sarah Pretty
Midcourters
Taylor Drabble
Alice McFall
Meikura Williams
Anahera Dinsdale
Shooters
Logan Aston-Whaitiri
Renee Cotterill
Renee Penny
Jade Laraman
Defenders
Regan Nathan
Kirsten MacKay
Kayla Epapara
Tamsyn du Toit
The Development Team will be coached by Lucy Whale
Defenders
Maioha Kara
Taelyn Smythe
Stephenie Tuhura
Shooters
Lauryn Hitchcock
Katheleen Kelly
Emily Moke
Alex McGlone
Midcourters
Morgana Grose
Molly Anning
Alexandra Lawrence
Laura Taylor
Under 17 Development Sides A Step Up On Last Year
Pauline Craven and Megan Lacy, coaches of the two Under 17 Development teams going to North Harbour, were surprised by the level of performance that some of players showed as they sorted the players into the two teams in Te Puke under the floodlights. "There are some good pieces of play being shown by some of these players and we will have two groups of player who will be great to work with," both agreed.
Megan will coach the Under 17 Blue & Pauline the Under 17 Gold.
Under 17 Gold
Shooters
Zoe Wieringa (Tauranga Girls)
Makarita Waiari (Trident HS)
Aroha Biggs (Kawerau College)
Tiana Reihana (Western Heights HS)
Midcourt
Abi May (Otumoetai College)
Taylor Ratlidge (Reporoa College)
Ngarata Ririnui
Jamie Lee Pryor (Tauranga Girls)
Shamay King (Tauranga Girls)
Defence
Tupou Niuapou (Western Heights HS)
Taylor Boynton (Opotiki College)
Dayna McGregor (Rotorua Girls)
Under 17
Shooters
Charlotte Curach (Aquinas College)
Kerry Hampton (Tauranga Girls)
Ashleigh Frew (Bethlehem College)
Midcourt
Georgia Tyrell (Otumoetai College)
Billie Raines (Matata)
Desma Koia (Western Heights HS)
Waimarie Sullivan(Opotiki College)
Kelsey Randrup (Bethlehem College)
Defence
Taima van Der Leeden (John Paul)
Katie Crooks (Opotiki College)
Danielle O'Connor (Aquinas College)
Danielle Wright (Aquinas College)
Under 17 Premier to be Coached by Rangi Ward
Rangi Ward spent last year gaining further coaching qualifications and this year is keen to utlize this learning with the preparation of the Under 17 Premier Team for the National Under 17 Event.
"This team was not an easy one to choose and getting the balance as best we can to meet the demands of the national competition tested our thinking. We have come up with a group of players who went to the national event last year which includes defender Janelle Dymus(Opotiki College)and Jaydene Law (Whakarewarewa, Denise Tamatea (Kawerau College) & Tawari Vercoe (Rotorua Girls)in the shooting circle and Simone Howe(Opotiki College) who adapts from midcourt to the shooting circle. Other players chosen have stepped up from the two Under 17 Development Teams who competed at North Harbour last year - in the midcourt Khanum Elisia(Tauranga Girls), Leah Maru Maru Flynn (Mount Maunganui College); in the defensive end Sjaan Cane (Reporoa College), Alex Gardiner(Otumoetai College)& Andrea Tauai (Tauranga Girls); and as a shooter Tayla Blanchard (Mount Maunganui College). Midcourter Samantha Sinclair of John Paul College was the bolter coming directly from the Under 15 and she is still eligible for this age group.
Teresa Pou Excited About Under 19 Team
The 2010 Under 19 Team was the easiest team to select with 7 players coming from the Lois Muir Challenge Squad. All of the players had court time in the early season competition. In the shooting circle Harley Smith (NZ Secondary Schools Team & Trident HS) will be expected to step up and lead Renee Whare (Lois Muir & Tauranga Girls) and Alyse Barclay who has stepped up from the Under 17's. Mariah Ririnui (Tauranga Girls) was selectred for her versatility at both ends of the court as Goal Shoot and Goal Keeper. Stacie Niao(Kawerau College)and Bridget Drake(Bethlehem College) make up the other defenders. The micourt will see Lyddia Moke (Aotearoa Secondary Schools & Rotorua Girls)joined by Shannon O'Donnell (Rotorua Girls), Toia Tiwha (Tauranga Girls) and Libby Drake (Bethlehem College).
Teresa Pou (Dobbs) will coach the side and Team Manager will be Nicky Dobbs.
8 Age Group Representative Teams Chosen
"This year was a very challenging one for all of those involved in the process," said CEO Sheryl Dawson. "Yes, there were disappointed parents and players but we keep telling the youngsters that they need to keep working on their fitness and skills and not give up because they missed this time. The final count would show that there were just over 200 Under 15 triallists alone and to reduce the group to 48 was no mean feat. The coaches and selectors helping found this year a real challenge and we know that come 2011 we will have an even stronger group of players ready for the Under 17 level in particular."
Seven of the eight teams will train in Te Puke with the Under 19's commencing their indoor training in June. Both the Under 19 and the Under 17 Prenmier Teams will compete in the Baywide Open as part of their preparation for their National events. A Development Day for the age group teams will be held on May 30.
Kawerau Turns Out in Force For ANZ Discovery Day
98 youngsters had a full on day of skills and fun at the Kawerau Netball Centre ANZ Discovery Day. "This is the first time that this event has been run in Kawerau and so it was great to see the turn out from the schools.We had just enough certificates and ANZ goodie bags for all of them," said an exhausted Arahi Wall. "We need to continue the momentum here so that these players get more opportunities to raise their game and skill levels."
Baywide Year 7 Sees Opotiki Triumph With Ease
Opotiki Primary School has a great crop of young players at present and no one came close to them in the Baywide Year 7 event. Their counterparts from down the coast Te Whanau a Apanui finished fourth. Opotiki won the Gold Medal with a comprehensive defeat of 26 to 13 over Aquinas College 7A. The Bronze Medal went to Bethlehem 7A who defeated Te Whanau a Apanui 20 to 18.
In the next section of the Year 7 Baywide Mount 7A won on a countback of goals over Otumoetai 7A. The two sides had drawn earlier ion the day. Te Puke 7A finished third. Section Three saw John Paul College emerge as winners over Otumoetai 7B with Mount 7B finishing third.
BOP Polytechnic Baywide Under 15 Sees Smaller Schools Shine
The final of the Under 15 BOP Polytechinic Baywide saw some superb play from Trident 1 High School and John Paul College. Neither school has a large pool of players to draw from but both schools take great pride in the development of their young players. "The quality of the play in the final was outstanding and some of the skills displayed by these young players showed that there had been a lot of work put into their development," said Pete Sommers from the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.
John Paul quickly got into their work as a team and very quickly made use of any ball won and so ended the first quarter ahread by 5 goals at 11 to 6. Trident (Whakatane) came back at the Rotorua side in the next quarter, however, they could not claw back the deficit but were pleased to have only only lost the quarter by one goal.
John Paul kept the pressure up as a team in the third quarter but could not extend their 6 goal half time advantage. The maturity that both of these young sides sides showed in their play is to be applauded. But it was the determination of John Paul College that saw them go after every ball and make sure it counted to keep them in the game. Going on to win 29 to 22 John Paul took the title after their strong start and never give up attitude.
Tauranga Girls College won the Bronze medal with their 28 to 21 win over Rotorua Girls High School. Division One Section Two was won by Mount Junior A.
Division Two in the BOP Polytechnic Baywide Under 15's saw Trident 2 emerge as winners with Western heights High School as silver medallists. Mount Junior B won the bronze.
Results - Division One - Section One
1 - John Paul
2 - Trident 2
3 - Tauranga Girls College
4 - Rotorua Girls High School
5 - Otumoetai Junior A
6 - Whakatane HS
Results - Division One - Section Two
1 - Mount Junior A
2 - Otumoetai Junior 2
3 - Otumoetai Reserve
Results - Division Two
1 - Trident 2
2 - Western Heights High School 9A
3 - Mount Junior B
4 - Aquinas 9A
5 - Otumoetai Development
6 - Trident 3
NZ Regional Theory Exam Successes
The new NBOP New Zealand Youth Council Representative Alice Mc Fall (pictured) has had a big week. Not only has she made the cut to be in a NBOP Under 15 Representative Team and passed her New Zealand Regional Theory. The other two Harbourside candiates who also passed the early season NZ Regional Theory Examination were Jenny Rozendaal and Jo Thompson. At this stage Ashton Thompson and Karina Laws are two of the Whakatane candidates to pass.
"This is a great start to the season for these umpires who can now prepare for their practical awards which is the next step on their pathway. NBOP Umpiring Panel Coordinator Pam Clayton has been appointed to be on two of the NNZ Umpire Event Panels for this year which means we will be able to continue in the sharing of best practices that come from NNZ. We believe that these achievements certainly fit with the intention of the Strategic Plan - Stretching Further Together, "said CEO Sheryl Dawson.
First ANZ Discovery Day Held in Katikati
Thirty Six enthusiastic Year 5 & 6 netballers had lots of fun and learnt so much more about netball at the Katikati College Action Centre at the first of the Netball Bay of Plenty ANZ Discovery Days being held around the 7 Centres in the Region.
Player Development Officer Arahi Wall commented "that while many of the participants lacked skill they made up for it with their enjoyment of the game of netball. These youngsters were just so eager to learn and it was great to see them trying to take it all in and become more skillful."
"The Katikati College students who helped with the running of each of the stations on the day were first calss in approach. Almost all of them had completed All About Heart in 2009 and so were better prepared when it came to delivering the activity given to them to lead. What was even better they were able to add to the sessions or saw how they could make them better for the group they had based on their coaching experiences."
Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic player Jodi Tod as part of the ANZ Discovery Day was the guest speaker and the Katikati School A side were invited to be a part of this opportunity along with the Year 5 & 6 players. Questions were asked about training, life balance, nutrition and a generally about Jodi's life journey.
"This was a fantastic day for us all and everyone had great fun," said Arahi Wall.
BOP PolyTechnic Baywide Sees Close Encounters
The BOP PolyTechnic Baywide Under 15 saw some extremely tight matches on the first day of play with a number of teams tested and no one player standing out among their peers. The NBOP Staff involved with the selection of players at this level were hoping that the competition would see some of the better players push themselves a little further but it appears that most dropped to the level of those around them despite coming out of their schools top sides to play in their schools Under 15 Team.
There are six schools who are likely contenders to be crowned Champions for 2010 - Trident 1, John Paul Black, Otumoetai College Junior A, Rotorua Girls High Junior A, Whakatane High School and Tauranga Girls College Junior A.
"This is the first year we have not seen only one or two teams dominant in this age group," said Arahi Wall. "It shows that the better the school organisation around netball how it is more likely for the school to have success. Coaches are being trained and skills sessions are being provided in more of our schools."
The Baywide Year 7 saw the teams facing quite a challenge given it is so early in the season. Some Coaches took the winning approach while others used the event as a chance to give all players a run.
Bay of Plenty PolyTechnic Baywide Under 15 Combined with Baywide Year 7
The combination of the BOP PolyTechnic Baywide Under 15 was combined with the Baywide Year 7 for 2010 to see if this would attract more teams to overcome the end of season burn out for the Year 7 group. "We have had the best spread of entries we have ever had from around the Bay for the Year 7's," said Carolyn Haddock who oversees the admin for the event. "There are schools who have never been involved at the Year 7 event before and it is great to see them enter this year as a way of launching their season."
At the Under 15 level 16 teams will vy to be the BOP Polytechnic Baywide Under 15 Champions for 2010. "It is hard to pick this one each year. We predicted Rotorua Girls last year and they lost momentum on the second Sunday," said Player Development Officer Arahi Wall. "So this year with the growth in interest at the Under 15 level we may leave the predictions and focus on the on who will be the winners to the final day."
Never Has It Been So Hard To Make The Cut
"This is just so tough, there are so many players that are on the same level and there are very few who are standing out above the rest as there has been in the past," said Under 15 Premier Coach Sharmaine Bunting. "But it is a great position for netball in the Bay to be in."
There was no denying that deciding who to cut was extremely difficult at Under 19 and Under 17 level as well. Mary Jane Araroa was impressed with the standard of the trials following her first foray into the Netball Bay of Plenty Age Group scene last year. "This is incredible when you consider we chose last years teams from less than half of this pool and with way leass of a headache."
The trial process will continue next week in an effort to reduce the numbers further.
More than 190 and still Counting
Netball Bay of Plenty has had large numbers oy youngsters put their hands up to be considered for one of the 7 Representative Age Group Rep Teams for 2010. This week has seen those players slower off the mark suddenly realise that they have missed the first round of trials and decision time is drawing closer and they want the chance to be part of the annual representative excitement. "We take the approach that allows each player to be seen and in some cases school camps or field trips have meant that they were not present on the day that the notice was given and now as the their friends share trial experiences they think I did not know and need to give myself a chance,"said CEO Sheryl Dawson.
"It is important that if they miss the cut this year that they return next year. This year we have already seen players who missed last year rise above their 2009 rep playing peers. Fitness is often a factor, or a Summer camp or just a stage in development. This is quite exciting for them and for us. We like those with stickability," said Arahi Wall.
Several squads will be chosen this week and then narrowed to teams over the coming weeks.
Age Group Triallist Numbers Huge
Arahi Wall has been blown away by the numbers of age group players at the Under 15 and Under 17 level registering to trial. 170 players to date have registered their interest and then there are those that just turn up on the night to add to the demands placed on the Netball Bay of Plenty selectors.
"This is the best response that we have ever had and we put that down to the individual membership and the work done by Centres and Schools," said Arahi Wall. "The Under 15's are the lucky ones because if they miss out on a place in one of the Bay Teams they can then trial for a Centre Team. At the Under 17 level the three teams provide strong opportunities for the talented Under 15's as well.This level creates a strong platform for the future."
Another Player Off to Compete in the Trans Tasman Secondary Schools in Adelaide
Rotorua Girls High netballer Lyddia Moke may have been named as a non travelling reserve for the New Zealand Secondary Schools team but now she has the chance to play at the annual Trans Tasman Secondary School event in the Aotearoa Team. "This is just so fantastic for Lyddia who will be in the side being coached by Margaret Foster with Netball Bay of Plenty's Mary Jane Araroa as the Assistant Coach," said CEO Sheryl Dawson. "We are proud to see two of our players step up to the national level and now the hunt is on for our next crop to achieve this national recognition. Mary Jane was assistant coach last year and enjoyed the challenge of being involved with these youngsters and to have a second year is great for her professional development." Lyddia is seen here sitting on the team bench next to Harley Smith.
More Player Success for the Bay of Plenty
There is great excitement in the Bay of Plenty for the fourth year in a row around the selection of the Zealand Secondary Schools Team. Current Waikato Bay of Plenty players Elias Shadrock (Western Heights High School) and Amy Christophers(Otumoetai College) both had two years with the national side.
"Harley Smith's selection into the 2010 team is made even more exciting for a number of reasons," said Lois Muir Challenge Head Coach Mary Jane Araroa, "she is out of a very small netball school - Trident High School in Whakatane and this shows with a lot of hard work talented athletes can be recognized for higher honours. It also shows the value of the regional programmes in the Bay of Plenty which have focussed on the development of players."
"Harley has a great story from our perspective," said CEO Sheryl Dawson, "she was first spotted in the winning Whakatane Intermediate Team at the NZ AIMS Tournament. Next stop was Spring Camp and as they say from there the rest was history. She was closely tracked and offered a number of programmes as well as being encouraged to play beyond her age group level to grow as a player just as Eli and Amy were. Lyddia Moke is exactly the same and while she has not made the national side she is at present a non travelling reserve and it was from this place that Casey Williams got her opportunity to make the NZ Secondary Schools Team. Convincing people in the sport and parents of the value of this approach in a small region is never easy but the list of examples is growing."
These young players are well supported in their growth and development from Year 8 with a range of individual development and competitive development programmes such as the annual exchange with the Western Region Academy.
Bay of Plenty Finish Seventh in Lois Muir
"Our approach was not just about winning but also developing players and the two do not make for easy bedfellows," said Head Coach Mary Jane Araroa. "There are games where if we had stayed with the top seven we would have had a much better chance of winning but on the other hand we would not have seen some of the less experienced and younger players learn from their on court playing time." The squad will hold a debrief during the week to gauge how each player has found the short, sharp and demanding competition that gets the netball season underway. Stacie Niao of Kawerau said "I have enjoyed being a part of this group nad have learnt a lot from observing games as well as training and awarming up with the rest of the squad."
The real results will be seen later in the year once the New Zealand competitive season is over and all players have been involved in the competitive teams that they make for 2010.
Final Weekend of Lois Muir Challenge
The final weekend of the Lois Muir Challenge will be in Palmerston North on April 17 & 18. This years Bay of Plenty side has been more successful than the side of 2009 but not as good as the 2008 team which went on to be runners up in the inaugural year. Head Coach mary Jane Araroa is a tough task master and she will be looking for the young ones to give her greater consistency and some of the more experienced players to take a far greater lead in Palmerston North.
"It has been so good to see how players have reacted to the positional changes made in each game in the early rounds. Some put their hands up and made it clear that they wanted a top seven berth while others have struggled to find the form to get them across the line," said Head Coach Mary Jane Araroa. "We will be looking to have two more wins this weekend against Canterbury and Cook Strait so that we finish with confidence. Billy (pictured in the Blue & Gold) has been an inspiration showing how hard she has worked on her fitness following the birth of her baby and it is this determined spirit that we need more of our players to have."
Age Group Rep Selections After Holidays
The age group rep teams will be selected at the end of April and will be well underway come May. "It is important that players complete the registration form prior to trials and best that all are in by April 22nd" said Arahi Wall who oversees the selection of the three Under 15 teams. "We are hoping to have more players come to trials than we did last year and it is important that players come because where they may sit in their school rankings may be different when it comes to the Bay. That is why we think players need test where they are at."
Bay of Plenty choses an Under 19, three Under 17's and three Under 15's. The Under 19 and top Under 17 compete at Netball New Zealand run events while the other two Under 17's go to the North Harbour Tournament and all of the Under 15's go to Taranaki.
Harley Smith Joins Lyddia Moke at NNZ Secondary School Trials
NBOP has two youngsters vying to be in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Team in 2010. Lyddia Moke had been on the triallists list since the end of 2009 and Harley Smith has been included this year. "This is great for these young players and we just need to keep up our approach of growing our talented individuals. Jodi Tod has picked up this group and is eager to provide as much as is possible to help them succeed," said CEO Sheryl Dawson.
Bay of Plenty Finding Positives in Lois Muir
The squad approach taken with the Bay of Plenty side to date in the Lois Muir Challenge has worked well with a group of players being able to observe either from the stands or on the bench when they get their opportunity. Following training this Wednesday 12 players will be named to finish the final two weekends as a team. "The benefits for the age group players in particular have been great. They have seen and experienced the gap," said assistant coach Carol Holt. "There have been some excellent passages of play and some very pleasing response to some of the older and tougher opposition encountered."
The Bay side have had two wins, one against Southland 46 to 36 on the opening weekend and the other against Counties Manukau in week two 54 to 42. The shooters Renee Whare (78%), Arahi Wall (77%) and Harley Smith (71%) have all showed that they are capable in either GA or GS and are beginning to develop some positive playing combinations with the midcourt and among themselves.
The defensive teams have been rotated and have worked well together. All 6 players have put their hands up at WD, GD & GK. Amy Christophers looked more like her old self in week two and Erena Mikaere has put her hand up again following the birth of her baby at the end of last year. Billy Pritchard, like Erena, has made a remarkable come back and as an umpire said "if that is what having a baby does for you then??" Candyce Edwards, Michelle Tenbroek, and Libby Drake also had good showings.
Contract Mechanical Services Win the Lois Muir Challenge Great Sponsor Hunt
Netball Bay of Plenty were delighted to have one of their sponsors win the Lois Muir Challenge Great Sponsor Hunt. Contract Mechanical Services based in Mount Maunganui were drawn by Dame Lois Muir in Dunedin from the pool of a possible 41 sponsors who have taken up the challenge around the country. "This is of course the luck of the Irish," said Shirley Baker from Contract Mechanical Services. "It is good to see other businesses around the country getting involved in netball and we are proud that Gyde Wansbone, Crombie Lockwood, Dawson's Insurance and Pasgaard Sports Distributors all have helped with sponsorship for our team as part of this new initiative and so to have the winner here in the Bay of Plenty is a bonus."
Former Netball Bay of Plenty representative and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic player Debbie Hill was the Bay of Plenty rep at at the draw and was so pleased that the winner came form the Bay of Plenty. She is seen here with Dame Lois following the win for Contract Mechanical Services.
Bay of Plenty's Lois Muir Challenge Team Sees 14 Named
Coaches Mary Jane Araroa and Carol Holt have narrowed the Lois Muir Challenge Squad to 14. "We will select 12 players from the group for each match we play. There are a number of young players in this side and the experience will be invaluable even if they are on the bench," said Aararoa."We are also working with Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic Coach Noeline Taurua to ensure that Amy Christophers gets invaluable court time and we have two breast feeding mothers returning to play who need to be manage as well."
Defenders
Ursula Pritchard
Erena Mikaere
Amy Christophers
Candyc Edwards
Stacey Niao
Midcourt
Laura McDonald
Lyddia Moke
Libby Drake
Sharmaine Bunting
Shannon O'Donnell
Toia Tiwha
Shooters
Arahi Wall
Harley Smith
Denise Tamatea
NNZ Offer Coaching - Defence Clinic
Friday February 26 from 6pm to 9pm - St Paul's Collegiate Gym - Hukanui Road, Hamilton
Wai Taumaunu and Yvonne Willering will host this clinic which will cover one on one and zone defence. 3 hours for $30 for more information go to
NNZCoachForcepersonnel@mynetball.co.nz and then click on Coach and then click on Coach Force or call the NBOP Office.
New Chair for Netball Whakatane at Emotional AGM
The Netball Whakatane AGM was an emotion charged evening with the resignation of Becky Tukukino from the role as President. Becky has not only been heavily involved with the centtre for 40 years but has also given her heart and soul to Waiariki Netball as well. "It is the time for me do this and I will still be there for all of you. I am happy to have small jobs,"said a very teary Becky. "You have created a strong platform for us all to grow from Rebecaa and for that we are most grateful," said Rangi Ehu.
Umpire President Diane Waititi has taken up the challenge of leading the Centre and she has a huge group to support her going forward.
Lois Muir Challenge Squad Selections a Tough One
"There were some very hard decisions made to narrow the squad further and there was quite a lot of disappointment among those who missed out," said Lead Coach Mary-Jane Araroa. "We will select 12 players each week from this group. Some of these players have trained really hard and have put their hands up. They may not have made it but they will be better prepared for their up coming season. The squad will be quite challenging in the sense that we will have limited use of 3 defenders - Amy Christophers is just getting back into the game following her surgery and Billy Pritchard & Erena Mikaere have both had babies."
Mary-Jane will be joined by coaches Carol Holt and Kimiora Insley for the event. "We have decided to run this team without a Manager have one of the coaches carry out the Manager role so that we have more coaches learning from each other and the competition that they are in',"said CEO Sheryl Dawson.
The Squad
Arahi Wall GS/GA
Harley Smith GA/GS
Denise Tamatea GA/WA/GS
Sharmaine Bunting WA/C/GA
Lyddia Moke WA/C/WD
Nadine Stone C/WA
Shannon O'Donnell C/WA
Toia Tiwha WD/WA
Laura McDonald WD/C
Libby Drake WD/GD/C
Billy Pritchard GD/GK
Erena Mikaere GK
Amy Christopher GK/GD
Michelle Tenbrooke GD/WD/GK
Sonia Donnelly GD/GK
Candice Edwards GK/GD
Kimberley Maisey Makes Cook Strait Lois Muir Challenge Side
Kimberley Maisey has continued to look for opportunities to progress her netball career after 5 years of rep netball in the Bay of Plenty. Off to Victoria University this year she has made the Cook Strait Lois Muir Challenge team to follow on from her PFNC Bay of Plenty Blue experience and her time in the Bay of Plenty Lois Muir Squad last year. "We are really excited for Kimberley," said Player Development Officer Arahi Wall,"she has always worked hard on the programmes that we have given her and in the game situation always does her best for her team."
SUMMER CAMP A HUGE HIT
44 players enjoyed some fun in the very hot sun at Mount Maunganui at the annual Summer Camp. The heat while a challenge did not deter the enthusiasm of the youngsters who did their utmost to learn as much as they could over the three days. Lucy Whale was at her 5th Summer Camp, her second as a coach which is really quite impressive. (Lucy appears second from the left in the Coaches photo at the prizegiving.) Christie Yule who also had attended as a player and coached at Summer Camps previously returned to run the surf life saving component which set some pretty tough assignments for the 13 to 15 year olds.
The one thing that was obvious on the final day was all had enjoyed themselves even if they were totally exhausted.
Western Region Academy Welcomed onto Owhata Marae
The Western Region Academy from Bathurst, NSW arrived in Rotorua on Saturday and were welcomed onto the Owhata Marae as part of the annual exchange with Netball Bay of Plenty. This exchange programme for talented netballers has been running from January 2004 when the first ever Bay of Plenty Team went to Bathurst and struggled with the heat.
The value of the exchange for talented Secondary School players is evident in both groups who have seen playing standards rise among their youth players over the past seven years. Traditionally the Bay of Plenty have held the Camp in Tauranga over a week when players are exposed to coaching and games along with tourist visits while the Bathurst visit for the Bay of Plenty players has been at the Charles Sturt University. Nancy Haslop thought that it would be nice to bring the 2010 group to Rotorua for a change given the relationship she had developed with Lorraine Pukepuke in Bathurst last year. Owhata is Lorraine's marae.
The warmth of the welcome in the beautiful setting on the edge of Lake Rotorua was completed with the story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai and of course for many of the Australian players and coaches their first ever hongi!
Pam Clayton Reappointed to NNZ Umpire Assessment Panel
Pam Clayton has headed the NBOP Umpires Testing Panel for the past few years and overseen the increase in the number of umpires achieveing higher awards and honours along with training others in the Region to be panel members. Pam has completed her first term on the New Zealand Umpires Panel and has been re appointed for another term. Her New Zealand work sees her providing support for the Bay of Plenty and the Waikato and this has earned her a first class reputation.
"Netball Bay of Plenty is very pleased to have Pam join Beryl Harvey (Bench Official Appointment for Commonwealth Games), Kelsey Carter (NZTID Youth Umpire Squad)and Lyddia Moke (NNZ Secondary School Triallist)on the list of personnel from the Region who have gained national recognition. Our aims are very much focussed around having people in all areas of the game recognized beyond the Bay and if you look at this group it does just that. This is just fantastic for the Region as others know that they can aspire to be at the same level. That is is possible,"said Board Chair, Shirley Baker.
International Success for Beryl Harvey
Netball New Zealand has had 7 New Zealand Bench Officials/ Statisticians offered Technical official roles at the Netball during the Commonwealth Games in India this year. The appointments made by the International Netball Federation have seen Beryl Harvey a Deputy Principal at Mount Maunganui Intermediate appointed. Beryl has successfully coordinated Bench Officials as well as being one herself for the past five or so years for Netball Bay of Plenty & the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic.
Beryl is over the moon about her appointment. "I am just so delighted to have this opportunity."
“Without top level Bench Officials, Netball would be unable to be conducted especially at the elite level, when their work goes well the timing and scoring of the game is seamlessly integrated but without skilled personnel it has potential to become one of the most disruptive and controversial aspects of a match,” said NNZ Operations Director Kate Agnew.
The Next NNZ Secondary School Triallist - Lyddia Moke
Lyddia Moke has been named as a triallist for the NNZ Secondary Schools Team following other Secondary School players from the Bay of Plenty like Elias Shadrock and Amy Christophers both of whom went on to make the New Zealand side for two years. The young Rotorua Girls High player has caught the eye of coaches in the Region for the past three years and 2009 provided the spring board for the New Zealand opportunity. Like so many of her fellow Bay of Plenty players Lyddia has been a member of the Perry Foundation Squads' and then was selected into the team that went to Western Region Academy in Bathurst, Australia last January as part of annual exchange.
Playing in the Bay of Plenty Lois Muir Challenge side, the Under 19's and finally the Open Blue at the Perry Foundation National Netball Champs in her preferred WA position the youngster showed a strength beyond her years. Lyddia also plays WD, Centre and GD. "She is a player with great vision particularly when it comes to feeding the circle players,"said her Under 19 Coach Theresa Dobbs.
Kelsey Carter Makes NNZ Youth Umpire Talent Group
Kelsey Carter has set her sights on being an umpire at the international level and has worked hard to reach the Netball New Zealand Regional award level while still at school. She attended the NZ Under 23 Umpires Camp in 2009 and returned with information to help her perform even more strongly as an umpire. The selection into the New Zealand Talent Group of 6 chosen from the the Umpire Talent Identification Days held throughout New Zealand in November for umpires under 17 is not only exciting for Kelsey but the Region and the Harbourside Netball Centre.
Kimberley Maisey Wins Victoria University Netball Scholarship
Tauranga Girls College Sports Leader Kimberley Maisey has played representative netball for the region all through her high school years. She has also had played in the Bay of Plenty's Lois Muir Challenge Team and the Open Blue side for the last two years. The scholarship at Victoria University will see her given the opportunity to continue to develop as a player in the Wellington Region.
As a member of the Mount Intermediate Year 8 Team that won the first ever NZ AIMS Tournament Kimberley played Goal Defence but now has established herself as a very strong midcourter and gained selection as the midcourter of A Grade at UNISS last year. She is admired as a player for her fitness and tenacity.
Alice McFall appointed as the NNZ Youth Council Rep
Alice Mc Fall is completing her Year 9 year at Aquinas College where she is a top scholar and sportswoman. Her appointment to be the Netball Bay of Plenty representative on the Netball New Zealand Youth Council has generated excitement for not only the talented young woman but her school netball coordinator Hikitia Gallagher and the school Principal Brendon Schollum. "I am very excited, very proud to be the Rep for the Bay of Plenty and hope I can impress in the role because I have some very big shoes to fill," she said. "Alice is a top scholar and is absolutely ideal for the role. She one of those young people who stands out," Mr Schollum said.
Alice played for the NBOP Under 15 Development Team this year and was selected into the first NZTID Umpires group for the Region. She is a qualified Centre Umpire along with being 4th in the National Under 14 Triathlon and Duathlon. A second in the 3000 metres at the North Island athletics adds to her sporting prowess. She also does speech and drama and has just given her modern jazz dancing away.
Alice will spend time with Christie Yule to prepare for her upcoming role for the Bay of Plenty in January.
Amy Christophers Cannot Wipe the Smile From Her Face
Amy Christophers has always underestimated her playing ability in netball and yet her dogged determination as a defender has seen her win accolades from unlikely quarters in the game. Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic Coach Noeline Taurua is impressed with the Otumoetai College Year 13 student's athleticism and training ethic. "There is something about her being so raw and yet so capable that makes her an exciting prospect to coach. It will be good to see how she comes on in this mix."
For Amy that smile is just so wide and she still pinches herself every time someone asks her how she feels about making the side and playing along side the worlds best. "I still cannot believe it but I am excited and keen to learn as much as I can from the likes of Casey (Williams)."
Tanya Lund Back in Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic
Following strong performances in the Perry Foundation Championships Tanya Lund has made her way back into the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic. The gutsy Goal Attack who can also play WA played strongly for the reasonably successful Bay of Plenty Gold. Now living in Kawerau and teaching at Whakatane Intermediate the former Bay of Plenty staff member will have quite some distance to cover to get to trainings and matches. Jodi Tod is the other player from the Bay of Plenty Gold team in the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic Team for 2010. (The photo shows Tanya in action against Wellington.)
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic Team will commence training in January and will be faced with working around the three Silver Ferns in the side - Laura Langman, Irene van Dyk and Casey Williams.
New World Netball Bay of Plenty Awards A Huge Success
The New World Netball Bay of Plenty Awards were attended by 360 people at the BayPark venue where the exciting night was held. The evening began with Leilani Taula singing 'Walking on Sunshine' and finished with her rendition of ' I'm A Beliver'. The large gathering stood, danced and sang for each song. Over the night there were loud rounds of applause and cheering as the winners were announced. The New World Centre Award which saw a volunteer in each of the netball communities recognized set the tone for the event. The 7 volunteers were presented with their award by a New World Staff member form around the Bay of Plenty.
The winners were
Katikati - Jill Jack
Harbourside - Celina Teao
Te Puke - Teei Fairburn
Whakatane - Myra Bains
Opotiki - Molly Wright
Kawerau - Beverly Southee
Rotorua - Gail Wenmoth
SPRING CAMP A HUGE SUCCESS
The NBOP Spring Camp has seen high energy levels from the Year 8 students selected from around the Bay of Plenty as they have worked on skills, played alternative games and were challenged by brain teasers. Joined by a group of 30 Australians the youngsters have enjoyed learning about the points of difference in approach to the game form the Australian coaches. Both groups revealed their national pride by singing their national anthems to each other prior to dessert on the first night. Solo artists Bronte (Australian) & Leilani (New Zealand) won the admiration of others with their performances following the anthems.
The second day saw matches played between Australian and New Zealand sides with an additional group of players coming in from around the Bay to benefit from the experience of playing the older students on tour. "We are already talking about coming back next year," said tour organiser Robyn Rowland. "We would also be keen to stay on the marae as your group have done because we think it would be a fantastic experience for our young players."
Camp organiser Raewyn Harvey was pleased with the way the event had come together.
Bay of Plenty Blue's Results are in the Learnings
Bay of Plenty Blue are to be admired for the way they remained positive with every game that they played. Every player in the side took a step up over the week and their Coaches Carol Holt and Rangi Ward are to be congratulated for the way in which they provided the players with more valuable insights into themselves as individual players. "We have all learned a great deal about how to be a better player this week and to think we never won a game and yet we felt we had some wins like the 6 goal loss to Canterbury 2," echoed the young players. "We are keen to build on 2009 and be even better for 2010'."
Coach Carol Holt felt that many would not understand the value of the week given the game results but from a Netball Bay of Plenty viewpoint another crop of young players have seen what it is like competing on a much bigger stage.
Bay of Plenty Gold Have Highest Finish Ever
Finishing in eighth place was not what the Bay of Plenty Gold Team wanted but it is the highest finish that they have ever had. "We closed the gap from 17 to 10 when we played Wellington for the second time which was good but we did so want that win," said coach Mary Jane Araroa. "We would have liked to have played North to go up but it was not to be and we just did not get our game right when we played Western and so we have to be satisfied with being 8th. The good thing is that it sets us up for next year and we will be better prepared for the challenges that come with this style of draw."
The Bay of Plenty Gold team has traditionally ranked 9th out of the twelve with the occasional drop to 10th. Last year the side had a close encounter with Canterbury and the year prior to that they defeated Southland but neither of those years saw the shift from 9th. The defeat of 4 of the 5 teams in Division Two this year has seen the step up.
Bay of Plenty Gold Have the Chance to Reach the Next Level
Bay of Plenty Gold defeated Tasman 78 to 37 in the final match of the pool play round for their First Grade division. This result sees the Bay side finish second to Wellington after their historic win against Waikato. The match gave coach Mary Jane Araroa the chance to play 11 of her 12 players and while the team did not maintain the momentum she wanted there were moments of superb play. "We did not nail some of the plays in the way we had wanted but when I looked around and saw other teams playing it was clear that Thursday was the day for lack lustre moments in every game."
The side now goes on to play Wellington again to determine who will play North and Western on Saturday. This is the new style draw that sees top two teams from Division Two in First Grade play the two bottom teams in Division One.
Bay of Plenty Blue Grow With Each Game
The young and inexperienced Bay of Plenty Blue Team have grown with each of their matches in Invercargill at the Perry Foundation National Netball Champs. Their first outing against Waikato who look likely contenders in Second Grade saw a 78 to 35 loss. The score was not the strongest indicator of the match with Bay shooters not having the most accurate day, The next match against Wellington saw the Bay side put a better game out on court and the 73 to 30 score again did not reflect the hard work and excellent play that occurred in each quarter. Melissa Niao (GK) had a great game despite her lack of height in this game. Next came Otago and again the young Bay side worked hard to keep lowering the gap betweeen themselves and their opposition with a 43 to 62 loss. This match saw shooters Hailey Ratima, Pani Taipeti and Maureen Malcolm achieve 81% accuracy.
While the 42 to 60 loss to North was a better result the team did not play as strongly as they had in some of the other matches. Each player has had a stand out performance at some stage over the week but the most consistent players have been Hailey Ratima (GA) and Lyddia Moke (WA).
Historic Win Over Waikato For Bay of Plenty Gold
Bay of Plenty Gold went to Te Awamutu to play their fourth round in the Perry Foundation National Netball Champs and came home with a histotic win - 56 to 43. This was a huge achievement for the side that has grown with every match and worked hard to reduce errors and produced the standard set by Coach Mary Jane Araroa. Shooters Arahi Wall (GS) and Tanya Lund (GA) worked well together in the circle using the speed of the ball between each other and with midcourters Melissa Ruru (WA) and Sharmaine Bunting (C) on the edge against he Waikato defence. The shooting accuracy of the second quarter was 100% for both and this was a bonus for the side who won that quarter 20 to 9. Defensively the team were extremely strong all through the court and the defensive trio of Jodi Tod (GD), Rachel Donnelly (GK) and Charlene Wolfgramm (WD)have developed a strong team and individual approach which at times flustered the Waikato attack.
Good Win for Bay of Plenty Gold Against Eastern
Eastern have often been the nemesis for BOP Gold but this year the Gold side got off to a flyer in the first quarter and never looked back. The 62 to 38 win to Bay of Plenty saw Sharmaine Bunting have her best game to date in the midcourt and the defense trio of Jodi Tod(GD), Rachel Donnelly(GK) and Charlene Wolfgramm(WD) worked so well together they forced a number of held balls. The shooters continued their excellent work putting up 70 shots and scoring 62 of them. Arahi Wall (90%), Tanya Lund (89%) and Harley Smith (82%)keeps all three shooters averaging above the 85% mark overall.
"There were a lot more positives in this game with players doing the basics very well. We are getting the ball to our shooters who are all taking responsibility for their roles and the midcourt are beginning to achieve far more consistency,"said coach Mary Jane Araroa.
"Defensively Rachel Donnelly would have been the player of the match,"said Assistant Coach Billy Prtichard.
Bay of Plenty Gold Off to Gisborne
The Bay of Plenty Gold team will face an Eastern side hungry for a win on Saturday 19 in Gisborne having lost by one goal to Tasman and then followed this with a 12 goal loss against Waikato.
Bay of Plenty Gold will be looking to add to their growth as a team with each weekend. "This is our first weekend away as a team and so it will give us the chance strenghtening those team bonds further and tidying up some of those errors that creep into our game," said Coach Mary Jane Araroa.
Two Out of Four New World National Volunteer Winners
Mary Thompson won the New World Volunteer Administrator and Christie Yule won the New World Youth Volunteer. "We are extremely proud of both of them," said Board Chair Shirley Baker.
"Mary has volunteered in administration for Rotorua Netball Centre for over 30 years.She has played a huge role in the organization of the Kurangaituku Tournament for 29 years. She is an amazing administrator who leaves no stone unturned and is willing to help with anything that needs to be done to ensure netball is a success. Her commitment, enthusiasm and energy for netball are reflected in the way the community holds netball in Rotorua in such high regard,” said Shirley Baker.
Youth volunteer winner Christie Yule is a Year 13 student at Mt Maunganui College. "Her contribution has been nothing short of outstanding. She has huge respect among her peers and all those she has worked with, whether younger or older. Her willingness to get things done and help out when and where needed is unique and she has set the benchmark for youth leaders within the Region. She has coached a netball team since 2005 when she was in Year 9 and played rep netball for Bay of Plenty since 2006. She also umpires and often volunteers to umpire when there are “no shows”. As NBOP's rep on the NNZ Youth Council from 2006 to 2009 she won praise from the NNZ staff for her presentation “It’s all about heart”, said Baker.
Netball Bay of Plenty is renown for its strong and hard working team of volunteers. "We have very large numbers of people who are always eager to help the Region in what ever way they can and these are the very people giving hours in their schools, clubs and centres,"said a very proud Board Chair.
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Bay of Plenty Gold Have Good Win
The Bay of Plenty Gold side had their first win of the Perry Foundation National Netball Champs against Counties Manukau in a game that saw 11 of the 12 all have court time. Coach Mary Jane Araroa is fearless when it comes to testing people during the match knowing that there is still a long way to go. She also bravely swapped Exia Shelford on for Kelly Coe at centre during the second injury break of the final quarter when the Bay side had some real momentum.
The 33 to 25 half time lead to Bay of Plenty was the result of strong defense work and good shooting. The number of turnovers from the previous week along with basic errors had been reduced which was a positive for the coach.
The pairing of Jodi Tod GD and Rachel Donnelly GK is growing with each quarter and Charlene Wolfgramm played a much stronger WD role than the previous week to support the circle defence. In general the team worked well together to win the opposition centre pass and turnovers in the opposition goal third.
Trident High School shooter Harley Smith was given the chance to play half a match at GS and rewarded her coach with strong rebounding and an 80% shooting average. Having replaced the very accurate Arahi Wall who had shot at 87% in the first half was a big ask for the youngster. Tanya Lund put in another strong performance at GA and shot 78%.
The ten goal win 62 to 52 was a positive for the team very shy on game time who now travel to Gisborne to play Eastern.
Counties Manukau Next Challenge for BOP Gold
The Bay of Plenty Gold side took a great deal away from their match up against Wellington and will be looking to step up for the match against the Ana Noovao coached Counties Manukau side. The Bay side will be working on through court movement of the ball along with scoring off invaluable interceptions earned through hard work on defence. The match is at QEYC at 10:30am on Sunday September 13th.
Bay of Plenty Gold Show Some Good Patches Against Wellington
Bay of Plenty Gold were in the match until half time against the Wellington side that contained a number of Pulse players. The 28 to 23 half time score was an accurate indicator of the game. Arahi Wall's back injury was clearly troubling her and so with a loss inevitable Coach Mary Jane Araroa took the accurate shooter (90%) from the court. "Tanya Lund was our player of the match shooting with 80% accuracy and doing a lot of work on attack," said coach Mary Jane Araroa. "We just need to reduce those basic errors from our game and achieve greater passing accuracy and we will get closer to the results that we want. The 57 to 40 final score was not what we wanted but it shows us what we need to do."
Harley Smith & Amy Christophers Named at UNISS
Harley Smith was selected as shooter of B Grade and Amy Christophers defender of the same grade. Both players have played well this season for their teams. Trident High School side that Harley is a leader in did well to finish in the top 8 of the B Grade following their promotion from C Grade in 2008. Her netball playing will continue as she now joins the Bay of Plenty Open Gold Team competing in the Perry Foundation National Netball Champs. Amy Christophers played strongly in defense with Kylie Tiejtens for Otumoetai College who were unlucky not to make the final of the B Grade. "We are very proud of these young women and look forward to their continued grqoth and development in the game,"said Jodi Tod NBOP Coach Development Manager with the oversight of talent identification.
Bay of Plenty Gold Ready For Action
The Bay of Plenty Gold Team is keen to get their Perry Foundation Netball Champs underway and their first up match against Wellington will be a challenging assignment given the number of this years Pulse players in the side. "It is just so good playing our first two matches at home at QEYC and this first one is a biggie for us," said Captain Jodi Tod. "Our focus has to be on our game and what we can do as a team if we are to achieve the top two finish that we want."
In the shooting circle are Vice Captain Tanya Lund and Arahi Wall who played well together for Baywide Champions Cornerstone. They will be joined by youngsters Harley Smith from Trident High School and former Bay of Plenty Age Group representative Keiha Pukepuke. The midcourt sees Sharmaine Bunting, former Black Fern Exia Edward, Kelly Coe & Melissa Ruru. The defenders see Captain Jodi Tod joined by Sharlene Wolfgramm, Rachel Donnelly and Ashley Clark.
Tauranga & Rotorua Intermediates are Baywide Year 7 & 8 Winners
The Baywide Year 7 & 8 Event is thoroughly enjoyed by players, coaches, and parents despite the testing conditions. The Year 8 Division was closely contested not only in the pool play round but also in the semis and finals. The Rotorua Intermediate side pushed hard to become Champions for 2009 and create history for the school. With the scores level at half and three quarter time with Te Puke Intermediate it was anticipated that the goal for goal match would go into extra time. However, the Rotorua side secured a two goal win in the final quarter. The Bronze medal went to Otumoetai Intermediate who defeated the promising looking Whakatane side.
The Year 7 final was between annual rivals Tauranga & Te Puke Intermediates. Tauranga won gold, Te Puke the Silver, and Mount the Bronze.
BOP Polytechnic Baywide Secondary Schools Sees New Winner
The 2009 BOP Polytechnic Baywide Secondary School Final saw a changing of the guard at the top which maintained the trend for the year within the Region. All competitions need to see those top spots change to maintain the sense of desire and to reinforce the thinking that taking a title can be achieved by anyone. For Tauranga Girls College being crowned Champions was a long held desire that finally has come to fruition. The Final between Tauranga Girls & Kawerau College was an excellent match between the largest netball school in the Region and one of the smallest in terms of playing numbers. Rotorua Girls took out the bronze over Otumoetai College.
The Plate was won by Mount Maunganui over Tauranga Girls 2 with Te Puke finishing third.
Western Heights who have won the title most regularly over the past 7 or so year found themselves well down the pecking order finishing third in the Bowl Division which Otunoetai 2 won in a close encounter with Trident 2.
