Fun and hoop-la as Silver Ferns visit Rotorua

Rotorua netball fan Marj Griffiths was excited to meet Silver Fern Ameliaranne Wells at the New World Westend checkout. Photo / Stephen Parker

Silver Fern stars have been caught shooting hoops and packing shopping for excited netball fans in Rotorua.

About six of the Silver Ferns, who are preparing to take on England at the Energy Events Centre tomorrow night, popped into New World Westend yesterday. Goal shoot Cathrine Latu said the team had a busy schedule but were happy to take time out to meet local supporters.

"I think it's good to see the not-so-big centres and bring international netball games [to them]. Lots of people can't make them when they are in Hamilton and Wellington, so we are really excited for the game.

"We have two trainings today, but we can't go sightseeing. We are just here for business."

Kayleigh Walker, 12, and Maya Hamilton, 12, won two tickets to the match through their goal-shooting skills. They planned to take their mums.

Excited fan Sophie Fraser, 7, had made a loom band for Silver Fern Kayla Cullen, who offered her some shooting tips in return.

Long-time netball fan Marj Griffiths also won tickets and planned to take her husband, Mike. "We are very keen netball fans and came especially today," she said.

Silver Fern Laura Langman said she enjoyed getting out of the main centres.

"It's great being able to chat with netball fans, give them a slice of the action, so to speak, and give people like Marj who watch every game an opportunity to go to a live game."

• The match is expected to be a sell-out, however, as of last night, tickets were still available from www.ticketmaster.co.nz