Bay of Plenty's re-entry back into Netball New Zealand's top provincial league is in less than a month , with the region's leading players being put through their paces this weekend at the QEII Youth Centre.
Bay of Plenty Gold take on Canterbury on September 3 at the new TECT Arenaat Baypark in their opening national provincial division one game. Canterbury is effectively the Tactix ANZ Championship franchise team so the task ahead is monumental for the local side, although they remain undeterred according to coach Mary Jane Araroa.
In preparation for the big game, Bay of Plenty has invited three other provincial teams to compete in a series of warm up games at the QEYC on Saturday and Sunday.
The games are open to the public for a gold coin donation and the chance to see some top provincial sides in action.
"We are using the games this weekend to trial our own combinations and give the squad of 16 players some court time before their important encounter with Canterbury," Araroa said.
"The Auckland Waitakere team is second on the ladder in first division and lost to Canterbury by one goal in the final last year.
"They will be strong rivals and will push us hard. It's what we'll need to make us steely and focused on the encounter ahead."
Weekend draw:
Saturday: 10am Western v Bay of Plenty Gold, 2pm Western v Bay of Plenty Invitation, 2.30pm Auckland Waitakere v Waikato.
Sunday: 9.15am Auckland Waitakere v Western, noon Auckland Waitakere v Bay of Plenty Gold, 2 Bay of Plenty Gold v Waikato.
