Fiji netball game tickets sold out
Netball fan Heather Williamson will have a hint of nostalgia at next month’s Fiji versus Magic game held in Tokoroa.
The South Waikato Events Centre game, planned for February 21, will host a crowd of more than 250 fans.
However, it’s not the first time a Fiji netball team has played in the South Waikato.
It was 44 years ago when Williamson was on the court, playing goalkeeper against the island nation.
In fact she still has the 1970, yellow- stained newspaper containing an article about that same first international game hosted in Putaruru.
The Glenshea Park Courts game was described as ‘‘sparkling’’ with a winning result of 42-29, played to a crowd of hundreds.
Leading up to the international encounter, there was no telling what would happen, Williamson said.
‘‘ The expectations were unknown, playing against any international team would be difficult.’’
But their winning streak within the region meant they were full of confidence.
‘‘We were very successful and we would go to the nationals.’’
The longstanding South Waikato netball player can still visualise the whole process.
‘‘It was up to us to sweep the court, I can remember it quite vividly but that’s what you did.’’
She said the team would even have to paint the lines on the court.
This
time
everything
has already been put in place, Sports and Events Centre manager Heather Gaby said.
Though extra bleachers will be brought in, the centre is designed to host national games, she said.
Hype for the game has reflected in ticket sales with another sellout crowd.
Gaby said all 260 seats will be filled with fans.