Passionate stalwart gives 60 years to club

Robin McLean helped launch the United club and has remained one of its most faithful supporters over the years.

Dannevirke senior netball owes much of its survival to one staunch supporter, Robin McLean.

For 60 years Robin has been a stalwart with the United club and her support and enthusiasm for the game she loves hasn't diminished over those six decades, with United the longest continuously running club team in the competition.

"I love the game and, yes, I'm quite proud of my connection," she told the Dannevirke News.

"Netball has been my life, especially in the early days when I was playing club and representative netball. In fact, I played with my daughters."

Initially Robin and Margaret Clarke played with the Ruahine club for two years, then on leaving school, decided to start their own club and United was born.

"Margaret passed away 30 years ago, but we had some wonderful times and United won the local championships for quite a few years," Robin said.

"I'm just a has-been now."

From a peak of 42 teams in the local senior netball competition, the numbers have dwindled to 10 teams, but without Robin the competition could have collapsed.

In its heyday, the United club could put four teams on the court. Today it is down to one.

"It's the way sport has gone in our small town," Robin said.

Volunteers have always been the backbone of Dannevirke netball and Robin has served in all capacities since 1957, turning up year after year to ensure the sport she loves remains alive and well in Dannevirke.

Her commitment has earned her a life membership.

In 2010 the Dannevirke Netball Centre celebrated 75 years and Robin made the anniversary cake.

And the secret to longevity in the sport she loves?

"Well, they just needed someone with passion," Robin said.

"Now I just collect their subs and represent us at the netball association meetings."

The game has changed from nine-aside to seven-aside over the years, but now, just as in the past, volunteers are the key to the game.

And for those of us who can remember the buzz of the 1970s and 80s playing in the Saturday competition, with our children playing on the sideline, or in their prams, Robin and the other Robyn (Evans) are our town's netball legends.