Aims Games: Myracle to behold on netball court

Abby Griffiths, of Bethlehem, was all industry in the striker's position. Photo / George Novak

Myracle Monga is proof good things can come in small packages.

The youngster, easily the smallest on court for a strong-looking Tauranga Intermediate netball team yesterday, ran the game beautifully from the centre position and added plenty to the festivities on and off the court at Blake Park.

Looking for a kid with strong fundamentals, hand-eye co-ordination and a healthy penchant for a bounce pass? Myracle's your girl.

Trying to spot the athlete with the biggest bag of lollies who is happy to share? Or the youngster ready with a one-liner and prearranged four-member dance routine?

Again, look no further than Myracle. She even looked the part - sporting blue and red bows in her hair due to the advice of a prophetic relative.

"You better do your hair because you don't want to go in the newspaper looking like that," she recounted to the delight of her teammates still buzzing after a brief encounter with Silver Ferns legend Irene van Dyk.

She was not the only one to add a little flair to proceedings.

The Bethlehem College girls' football team, beaten 3-0 by an impressive Whakatane Intermediate School in their opening match, opted to go for red and blue face paint under the eyes in the style of Americanfootball players.

Evaline Bruce, 12, was especially impressive in goal for Bethlehem, pulling off a number of saves that kept her team in the contest.

Coach Colin Dyer was pleased with his team's start, considering it was the first time some of the girls had played together.

"They've been pulled from three or four different teams, but they've all come good and are playing really well," he said.