Gisborne team for Netball NZ Open Champs an ‘exciting mix’

Ata Mangu (YMP) will be proudly representing her district and club at the Netball NZ Open Champs in Dunedin in September. Gisborne Herald file pictures

Gisborne Netball Centre (GNC) has named their team for the Netball NZ Open championships tournament in Dunedin next month.

Not surprisingly, Premier Grade runaway leaders YMP (1) feature prominently in the 10-woman squad, with six of them from that dominant team.

The Gisborne squad are Paku-Jane Skudder (YMP), Marcia Beale (Waikohu), Princess Tomoana (Waikohu), Tania Adamson (Whangara Old Girls), Te Awa Clendon (YMP), Ata Mangu (YMP), Grace Kaihe-Tahuri (YMP), Bronya McMenamin (YMP), Ella Hurley (Whangara) and Keasi Williams-Fonahema (YMP).

Gisborne were 14th out of 20 teams at the inaugural nationals last year.

“We’re really proud to announce our GNC open representative team,” GNC manager Allisa Hall said. “It’s an exciting mix of local players who trialled from across our top premier teams.

“Five players are returning from the 2022 squad, while there are five new caps in the team,” Hall said. “We’re looking forward to seeing them in action and wish them all the best in their preparation over the coming weeks.”

Netball commentator Sherrill Beale said it was a strong team.

“They have good strengths in all areas . . . at both ends of the court and they have a speedy midcourt.”

• The tournament runs from September 5 to 9 at the Edgar Centre in Dunedin.