Students in Fast 5 mode

Leonard Gray (front) and Hinerauiri Cotter-Luke in the Gizzy Dragons-Gizzy Mavericks game in Fast 5 Netball.

GISBORNE Netball Centre played host to 181 students from across Tairawhiti yesterday for a Fast 5 Netball tournament.

Each of the 24 teams played five matches of the fast-paced variant of the traditional game, which includes two and three-point scoring opportunities.

Because it was a mixed league, Gisborne Boys' and Girls' high schools teamed up to create a combined outfit, with Lytton, Whatatutu, Te Karaka area school and Tolaga Bay area school also taking part in the day's action.

Gizzy High Dragons (GGHS/GBHS) had the highest overall points for the day. Ritana Seniors had the most 3-pointers, and Campion Angels won the Kia Pai team award for positive sporting behaviour.

Youth development officer Monique McLeod said many of the participants, mainly from GBHS, were giving netball “a go for the first time” after having done “have a go” sessions leading up to the event.

“We had lots of fun learning together, and that's really what it's all about.

“(I was) impressed with the overall attitude of players on the day, students stepping up to help with umpiring and players supporting each other out on the court.”

This was the first time GNC had partnered with the Tairawhiti Area and Secondary Schools Principals' Association (TASSPA) as part of their new interschool sporting calendar, and McLeod said she looked forward to continuing the relationship and making the day an annual event.