Test series big thrill for Tayla
It was only when she got out on court that international netball rep Tayla Blanchard realised: this is a big deal.
Tayla, a teacher at Te Puke High School, was a member of New Zealand’s mixed netball team that took on the Australians in a three match series, part of a trans tasman tournament held in Adelaide. There were also series for the countries’ under 20, under 23 and open men’s teams.
“We went into camps and things [beforehand], but it didn’t really hit me until we were standing on the court singing the national anthem that this was really a big deal.”
Only the under 20s managed a series win, the mixed side losing their three game series 2-1 with victory coming in the third game.
“Apart from losing the series, it was an incredible experience I will remember for a lifetime.”
The third test win was one of the highlights.
“We were all thinking, we’re not leaving this court without winning against the Aussies. We were getting better throughout the series and gelling and settling into each other, and then once we clicked, we clicked.
“It felt so good walking off that court knowing we could do it.”
Tayla says it was amazing to be part of the team, and all the members have vowed to make all the efforts they can next time there is a trans tasman series.
“It was probably one of the best team cultures I’ve ever been involved in in my life, and I’ve been involved in a lot of teams. You felt encouraged and supported and it was fun too — the coach and our manager were just incredible.”
She says it wasn’t just wearing the silver fern that made playing in the tournament so memorable. “It wasn’t just being able to represent the country, but also my family and friends and everybody that helped me get there — so [it was] to say ‘thank you’ and ‘I did it I made it and here I am’.
“There were just so many overwhelming messages of support and encouragement and the love everybody gave was amazing.”
Tayla was selected after playing in the national mixed netball championships for Waikato Tainui-bay of Plenty.
Playing mixed netball has also opened up new challenges, with male players bringing a different dynamic to the game.
“I think men’s and mixed netball is totally put on the side burner, but it is an eye opener sport. I was the same — I started out thinking, hmmmm and I wasn’t so sure. Now I’m just addicted to it, it’s a whole other level and Aussies are a whole other level again.”
Tayla played in all three games as wing attack or centre, and through points accumulated through the series came second in the MVP rankings for the mixed open series. Now she has turned her attention to the indoor netball season and playing touch for the summer.