Norths Porirua’s top netball side
Northern United’s premier netball side has taken out Kapi Mana Netball Centre’s top team award for the fourth year running.
At the recent awards evening for the centre, Norths, who won the premier 1 grade in the justcompleted finals, were judged to be the overall best team ahead of KBJ and Te Tai Timu.
Norths’ top side has won the premier 1 grade eight times in the past 11 years.
For coach Ngahiwi Meroiti it was a challenging winter, as several of the Norths players played in the new national provincial league, various age group teams and for the Wellington-based PIC club.
Meroiti, who has more than three decades in netball coaching, attributed another strong season to the strength of Norths’ junior club.
‘‘We were able to focus on giving junior players opportunities to develop for the future,’’ she said.
‘‘We are fortunate to have senior club players when it mattered, and this proved the difference in hard fought wins over perennial contenders KBJ and Te Tai Timu in the finals.’’
She said a good example was the Junior A side - made up of year 7 and 8 players - who won their grading round, were promoted up three grades and went on to win the Collegiate 3 championship.
‘‘It’s been hard work ensuring we have quality coaches and managers and providing uniforms for the large number of kids now involved.
‘‘However, it has been a great part of the success for the Norths club.’’
Recent stars for the Norths premier side have included Whitney Souness, a member of the professional Pulse franchise for the past two years, Mila ReuluBuchanan, Colleen Faleafaga, Jermaine Howard-Vallance and Ainsleyana Puleiata.
Meroiti said they all still play for Norths when their schedules allow.
‘‘Their continued involvement as role models inspires other young players.
‘‘We believe it is vital for Kapi Mana to keep our local stars involved in playing netball in Porirua.
‘‘They learnt their craft here, still live here, and remain loyal to the netball club they have been members of all their lives.’’