The Wanganui Year 7 representative netball side overcame early nerves and stress to win their grade outright at the Steffenson Tournament at Vautier Park in Palmerston North at the weekend.
Coach Rochelle Howard said there was quite a lot of nerves and stress as the team took the court in their first tournament game against Manawatu on Sunday, but after the first quarter there was no stopping the determination and excitement that lasted all day.
"The closest game was a shaky win over Manawatu 15-12," Howard said yesterday.
"A win over Motu Kairangi 21-11 moved us on to what we expected to be a hard game against Hastings that turned into a 25-10 win."
After game three the girls were starting to slow, however, the fighting spirit remained and a comfortable 30-10 win secured the year 7 team an overall first place for the grade.
"They all deserved praise, they played some amazing netball and have really bonded as a team," Howard said.