Kurangaituku Netball Tournament as good as ever

John Paul College Y9 Maroon goal shoot Polly Wakefield (right) takes a shot against Acez Aranui. Photo / Stephen Parker

For three weekends netballers from all over New Zealand have descended on the Westbrook Netball Courts in Rotorua for the 85th Kurangaituku Tournament.

The tournament is the poster child of sporting event longevity and this year's edition was as competitive and fun-filled as ever.

Many of the teams that travel to Rotorua for the event treat it as an end-of-season celebration and this year they were blessed with perfect weather conditions.

On the first weekend, 143 teams competed in the senior C, D, E and F grades.

Weekend two saw 148 teams contest the A, B, C, D and masters grades, and on the third weekend 63 secondary school teams took to the courts.

Rotorua Netball secretary Mary Thompson said the whole event had "gone really well".

"The standard of netball varies, we have top teams winning by lots and teams that are losing by lots. But, it's been a great experience, even for those that are losing. They said they've enjoyed the opportunity to play against teams from other places around New Zealand."

She said the atmosphere on each of the three weekends had been great, which the fine weather contributed to.

"Some of the senior teams dressed up and got into it. One of the highlights is the feedback we've had about our new courts, we've had really positive feedback about them."

The aspect Thompson enjoyed most about the tournament was seeing so many different teams out there playing the game they love.

"Seeing them playing and enjoying the atmosphere, that's a highlight. The appreciation from the teams is great too, we get a lot of thank yous which is always nice."

Kurangaituku Netball Tournament - Secondary School Results

Banner Winners
Senior B Section 1: Vipers Tawa, Mangere/Otahuhu
Senior B Section 2: Taradale Voltz, Taradale/Napier

Trophy Winners
Senior A Winner: AZZ1 Nezians, Manurewa, runners-up: JK Mataatahi, Titirangi/Auckland.
Senior B Winner: Vipers Tawa, Mangere/Otahuhu, runners-up: Taradale Voltz, Taradale/Napier.
Junior A Winner: Revelation Y10, Mangere, runners-up: QMNNAI Y10, Queensland/Australia.
Junior B Winner: Revelation Y9, Mangere, runners-up: JK Matakoriri Titarangi, Auckland.
Intermediate A Winner: Kelston Rebels Army, Waitakere, runners-up: Revelation Int Blue, Mangere.
Intermediate B Winner: Wairoa Aims, Wairoa, runners-up: Kelston Rebels,Waitakere.
Best Uniform: Revelations, Mangere.
Best Sportsmanship: Whanga Shooting Stars, Whangamata.