Netball: Juniors meet in showdown

The Maungatapere Mystics. Back row (from left): Tayla Shepherd, Stella Bland, Sophie Overeen, Madison James. Front row (from left): Brooke Foster, Ocean Turdeich-Gilmour, Mihinoa Tangihaere, Danielle Kalkhoven, Leah McRae. Photo / Supplied

The Whangarei Netball Centre's annual junior tournament on Sunday attracted entries from teams representing northern netball centres.

Although overall entries were down on last year, the Year 5/6 grade had seven teams engaged and they played a round robin to determine the winner and runner-up.

The Year 7/8 grade had nine teams entered and these were split into two sections with each section playing a round robin before playing crossover games to determine the winner and runner-up.

All games were 10 minutes each way and teams were awarded two points for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss.

In the Year 5/6 grade, Hurupaki Red and Disco Divas ended up on equal points after the round robin due to both teams winning all of their games and drawing their game against one another.

Hurupaki Red edged out Disco Divas, based on a goal countback, to be the winner.

In the Year 7/8 section, the final was between Whangarei Intermediate School's Gold Ferns, who won section 1, and Kerikeri High School's FBI Fusion (Fabulous, Beautiful, and Intelligent) who won section 2.

This was a close game that went into extra time before Gold Ferns were successful.

There was also a wide range of colours on display with a variety of uniforms being worn.

This year a prize was given for the best uniform theme or costume and this was presented to the Maungatapere Mustangs in their bright red uniforms with Indian head dress.

Overall, organisers were pleased with the day and the junior talent coming out of the northern area.