PROUD: The netballers who took part in the WaiBOP netball cluster at Ōtorohanga recently. Photo Brayden Lindsay E2842-10
SOME of the King Country’s best netball talent were put through their paces recently. The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic held a camp at the Ōtorohanga courts recently and it featured top netballers from Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Te Kūiti and Ōtorohanga. In attendance were Magic players Claire Kersten and Oceane Maihi, who ran a series of drills for the players. The New Zealand Secondary Schools coach was also present as was current Magic coach Mary-Jane Araroa and WaiBOP Netball player pathway lead Rachel Davis, along with a host of others. Coaches and aspiring umpires were also present learning some new tips and drills. Of the 31 players in attendance, eight had affiliations to Ōtorohanga, while a further four went to Te Kūiti High School. Davis said it was a fantastic day and the girls put their best foot forward. “There was some great talent out there. We held a series of drills and put the girls through some fitness before holding a couple of games at the end.” “It’s great to get over this way and to be able to do something like this. It’s been a couple of years since we were able to due to Covid-19, so it’s important we got this back up and running.” Rather than have all the talented players from the region meet in one place they split it into four camps, so players could be seen in more of a one-on-one basis. Hamilton, Tauranga and Rotorua also held the half day clinics, which like the Ōtorohanga cluster featured the most talented under-16 and 18 players. “We’re pleased overall with how it went. It’s just a good way for us to get across here and scout some talent which we saw at UNISS or other various school tournaments.” It was a good way for the netballers to finish their season.
