Rotorua mixed netball teams impress at nationals

Rotorua's under-23 mixed netball team won the national title for their age group. Photo / Supplied

Rotorua sent two teams to the New Zealand Mixed Netball Nationals in Auckland and both made finals.

The under-23 team, who were young enough to enter the under-20 tournament but wanted a challenge, beat mixed netball powerhouse Auckland 37-35 in the final to win the title.

Team captain Visesio Sakaia said a strong team bond got them across the line at the tournament, played during Easter weekend.

"I think with my team and the whole club in general, we're very family orientated. We're close on and off the court which makes the game much easier. When we do play we're all just having fun and the connections are already there.

"The first year we competed we came fourth, so to come back to this mixed nationals and get first, against a team as experienced as Auckland, it was amazing."

Sakaia also plays in men's teams and said playing mixed netball provided balance.

"I think the girls slow the game down, which calms the boys. We like to be show ponies and play at full speed, but the girls calm it down a bit."

The Rotorua Men's Mixed Netball Club also had a team in the Open B grade, who also made the final but lost 54-45 to Christchurch.

Team captain Trinity Tumarae said it was the first year Rotorua had entered a team in an open grade competition.

"Building up to that was a big achievement and we won the silver medal. Even placing was humbling and we felt like champions. Everyone supported each other, that's the main thing at our club, we motivate everyone to go hard and do their best.

"We always look after each other and for all of us who played, it was our first mixed nationals. Supporting the young players was important for us older players, we trained as much as we could to build both teams.

"I started training in 2013 and to be where we are now is really rewarding," Tumarae said.

Hemi McKinney coached both sides and was proud of their results.

"They kept calm heads and just played our game, stuck to the game plans.

"The game is growing and there's more recognition out there. It's becoming more noticeable that it's not only a female sport. The pool of male players is growing, it's all about having a go and giving those opportunities," McKinney said.

Anyone interested in playing men's or mixed netball can contact McKinney at rotovegasmmnc@gmail.com