Gisborne Premier Grade netball tribute game for Ronnie Martin

This was the joyous scene after Whāngārā Old Girls beat YMP in the grand final of the Gisborne Premier Grade championship in 2023. The club is in mourning after the death of iconic coach Ronnie Martin (standing fourth from left). Whāngārā OG face Old Girls Whāngārā at the YMCA on Saturday in a clash that will also be a tribute to the much-loved coach. Photo / Paul Rickard

Premier netball returns to the YMCA on Saturday morning and fittingly one of the games will be a tribute to Ronnie Martin.

The Gisborne netball coaching legend and long-time coach with Whāngārā Netball Club passed away last Thursday night and was farewelled on Tuesday.

“Many netballers have been mourning our stalwart Ronnie and returning to local netball games will be very poignant,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

“What a fitting way to have both Whāngārā Old Girls teams playing each other to start our Premier Grade.”

Old Girls Whāngārā play Whāngārā Old Girls at 9am.

“This will be a special tribute to their coach, friend and mentor,” Beale said. “No matter what the scoreline ends with, there will be great netball skills on display as the players will be determined to pay homage to their beloved Ronnie.”

Reigning champions Claydens Waikohu (1) take on Horouta Gold at 11am.

“Both have started the season well,” Beale said.

“Waikohu are unbeaten and Horouta have had two wins and a close bonus-point loss.

“Both teams have shown the understanding between players is developing well and they work together, moving the ball speedily through the court to their confident shooters.

“We can expect this to be a close, competitive game.”

Other senior grades and secondary and intermediate grades continue at the Gisborne Girls’ High courts.

The first round of games starts at 8.45am and the last round is at 2.45pm.

“This weekend our two Under-16 representative teams travel to Tauranga to compete in the Helen Dodge tournament,” Beale said. “We wish them well.”