Open invitation at Kaikohe

With the season nearing its end, the Bay of Islands Netball Centre has issued an open invitation to all Far North netball teams to take part in its open tournament at Lindvart Park this Saturday, August 31.

The event begins at 9am and features three grades: an open women's, a mixed (i.e. for male and female players), and another women's grade (exact details not clear) offering both titles and prizes. Centre spokesperson Colleen Brennan noted entry was free for the event, which will officially conclude the Kaikohe domestic season, a canteen will be available on the day to fill up those starving tummies while the prizegiving will take place straight after the tournament, upstairs in the pavilion. Any interested teams wanting to enter this closing-day tournament can contact Wana Puru on (021) 023-62195 or via the Bay Of Islands Netball Centre Facebook page.

"We hope to see you all there!"

In other Bay Of Islands netball news, two centre rep teams travelled to contest a major tournament in Whangaparoa on Sunday, August 19, with the under 17s taking out their division. Both sides found themselves up against some tough competition from as far south as the Hibiscus Coast and as far north as Kerikeri, but the 17s emerged as the standouts in their competition, flowing with enthusiasm and drive to qualify for the final against a Hibiscus Coast side through sheer force of will.

"With the crowd watching with anticipation the game was neck-and-neck but a few mistakes from the Coast enabled the Bay to get a two-goal lead in the final minutes and hold on until the final whistle," Brennan reported, adding the result would have made coach Monique Brennan proud.

The championship-winning side included Steffi Hooson, Sophie Peahana, Aaliyah Thompson, Felicity,Tyler, Kasey Cross, Taylah Jenkinson, Martha 'Tiny' Peterson (umpire), Cydney McNally, Rongo Paniora, Mary Friif; Monique Brennan (coach) and Ashley Beazley (manager). The Bay under-15s, meanwhile, struggled to find their feet and, sadly, did not win their grade but still came away with spirits and heads held high.

"The weather held out all day until the prizegiving was commencing, and the Bay sides were relieved that they had had a beautiful sunny day allowing them to play to their full potential," said Brennan, adding a big congratulations on behalf of the centre to the girls in the two teams, as well as their coaches, managers, parents and supporters for all the work accomplished and committed to during the season.

In other news, the 2013 BOINC domestic season finals will be completed this week as night games.