Netball goes back to Opunake

Premier netball returns to Opunake this season for the first time in nearly five years.

The Sandfords Event Centre will host matches in round three of grading at the end of April with other games scheduled later in the season.

The events centre features a full-size court with a 220-seat grandstand overlooking the facility to provide optimum viewing for spectators.

Other premier venues include New Plymouth’s TSB Stadium, Waitara’s Whai Tapuwae Nō Rongo, Stratford’s TET Multi-Sport Centre and the TSB Hub in Hawera.

Netball Taranaki Games Administrator Pia Bailey-Nowell said it’s exciting to host matches right around the mountain this season.

“We are literally bringing netball to all communities around Taranaki and we hope the wider community will get behind premier netball.”

With Netball Taranaki’s inclusivity towards male players, Bailey-Nowell said seven males would play across six teams in the premier one, two and three competitions.

“The success and acceptance of males in our female competitions was really well received by the netball community who play in our premier competition,” she said.

Teams can only have two males registered and only one can take the court.

Significant player movements in 2021 include Kelston Reynolds, who moves from Tysons West to Raukura premier two, Nikita Roberts from Tysons East to Stratford/Eltham and Kendyl Fake and Taylor Kahui who will now play for Naumai premier three from its premier one team.

“We are also really excited about the talented players coming through the grades. This is due to a strong secondary school structure and senior section.”

Bailey-Nowell said while some experienced players decided not to return to netball this season, it gives others an opportunity in the game.

There are also changes to several team’s coaching setups.

Che Tamati returns to coach Tysons East. He was involved in the club’s strong five consecutive titles. He replaces Jane Parker-Bishop. Tamati will also coach Sacred Heart Girls College in the premier two competition.

Kristie Waretini joins New Plymouth Old Boys premier one side in replace of Ann Rodgers, who moves to Tukapa premier two team.