South Island Masters Games
The Riwaka Old Girls Royals: Lisa Cassidy, left, Sarah Quickfall, Marcela Blomfield, Andrea Noble, Emma Tennant, Emily Donaldson, Laura Hay, Emma Graham and Ashlee Levien. Photo: Supplied.
The South Island Masters Games in Marlborough attracted thousands to the region over a 10-day period to compete in more than 20 different sports.
Not too old for bold bops and gold
The Riwaka Royals took to their first Masters netball tournament like queens, topping the table to snag themselves gold medals in the 35+ age group.
Team captain Emma Graham says they won their first five games, but Saturday night celebrations left them a little dusty, and it took them until the third game on Sunday to find their next convincing win.
Working with the elements took a little adjusting too, with teammate Ashlee Levien calling the wind “their eighth player”. Emma reckons the gusts made shooting “nigh on impossible – you’d put the ball up in the air and sometimes it just came straight back to you!”.
The team also had fun singing and dancing on the court – you know you’re bringing the vibe when the competition joins you for a Wiggles singalong!
In it to Shin it
Women’s 25+ football category winners were In it to Shin it – a team of Tahuna FC players.
Sporting mastery wraps up
Nelson and Tasman-based football team FRAGILE – Handle with Beer are buddies with the Motueka Angels off the pitch, but that was sidelined until the final whistle in the last round robin match of the tournament.
The teams walked onto the field with equal points to contest for the silver and bronze medals in the 35+ category, and despite relentless attacks from both sides, the defence held the score to nil-all at full time.
After some frantic calculations by the organising committee, FRAGILE was awarded silver based on goal differential throughout the tournament, with the Angels chuffed to have made the podium alongside their friends.
Tasman’s Goalden girls
Tasman’s Goalden girls headed over the hill to compete in the 30+ competitive netball competition and took out third place.
Bronze is golden for Jackals
Bronze is golden for Jackals: It’s not quite gold, but the Motueka Jackals 27+ touch team, pictured below, still walked away with a medal at the recent South Island Masters Games.
Despite racking up golds in the two years prior, team member Sam Hannan says ageing bodies and more youthful competition took its toll.
