Southern glory . . .
Our champs thrill fans – again
While still riding the high of winning a national championship, the nerves are setting in for netball captain Wendy Frew as she starts to embrace life after Southern Steel.
Frew and her teammates were honoured with a parade yesterday as Southland celebrated national championships brought home by Steel and the Southland Sharks, along with the Hawke Cup that was won by the Southland Cricket team.
Hundreds of people lined up along the sides of Esk St as the sports stars paraded their silverware down the street.
Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt said while Invercargill might be a small city it certainly knew how to win.
Speaking after the parade, Frew said the nerves were starting to set in as she made the transition into life after Steel.
‘‘. . . I’m looking forward to having some more time off for the kids and Trent.’’
It was a great turnout at the parade and the team was grateful for that, Frew said.
Southland Sharks point guard Andrew Wheeler said it was good to recognise the achievements because they reflected on the community as well, which played a key part in sports.
Southland organisations contributed a lot to sport and the community feel was what helped with success, Wheeler said.
Southland Cricket Hawke Cup team captain Shaun Fitzgibbon said being included in the celebrations was special for the team.
Their victory, to them, was just as special as the wins of the Sharks and Steel, Fitzgibbon said.