NZ Age Group Netball Championships get underway in Dunedin

Over 300 Netballers, coaches and officials gather in Dunedin this week to compete in Netball New Zealand’s largest annual event, the U19 and U21 NZ Age Group Netball Championships.

Dunedin’s Edgar Centre will host 24 regional teams from the 5th-8th of July with around 100 games being played during the week. There will be nine U21 and fifteen U19 regionally based teams participating.

Netball New Zealand Emerging Talent selector Leigh Gibbs says the competition is an important part of the Netball New Zealand calendar.

“The NZ Age Group Championships play an integral part in developing and showcasing young talent on the court,” she said.

“It creates inspiration to those hoping to take their Netball to the next level, and it provides a great opportunity for players to be recognised on a national scale.” Gibbs said.

The regional sides feature top talent, with players taking part that are involved in NZU21 and ANZ Championship teams.

An interesting family match up to watch will be in the Otago v Southland game where sisters Te Huinga Reo (defence) and Te Paea Selby-Rickit (shooting) could match up against each other on court.

The tournament runs from Monday 5th - Thursday 8th July. The full draw is available at www.mynetball.co.nz, and the website will be updated regularly after the conclusion of each match.



Participating Teams:

U19

Auckland Waitakere 1
Auckland Waitakere 2
Bay of Plenty
Christchurch
Counties and Manukau
Manawatu Western
Mid Canterbury
North
Otago Blue
Otago Gold
Taranaki Western
Tasman
Waikato Black
Waikato Red
Wellington

U21

Auckland Waitakere
Canterbury
Counties and Manukau
North
Netball North
Otago
Otago Invitation
Waikato
Wellington

2009 Results

U21
1st Western
2nd Waikato

U19
1st Auckland Waitakere 1
2nd Southland