Former Sting shooter excited about U17 team's national challenge
“We are lucky that we have the option of playing and training inside in Southland, so it will be interesting to see how we adjust to playing games outside.”
By Nathan Burdon
Debbie Munro is excited about taking the Invercargill Netball Centre’s under 18 girls team to their national tournament next week.
The former Southern Sting shooter has been impressed with what she’s seen of what is a young team.
“It’s a new bunch of girls and a new team. One of the really nice things is that it’s not dominated by any one school, we’ve got players from across Southland Girls’, James Hargest and Verdon,’’ Munro said.
“It’s quite a small team, they play with a lot of speed and are quite fit and I’m looking forward to seeing how they go when they come up against some different styles.”
Netball New Zealand’s national under 18 tournament is traditionally played at an outdoor venue and is being hosted at the Hamilton City Netball Centre from July 10 to July 13.
“We are lucky that we have the option of playing and training inside in Southland, so it will be interesting to see how we adjust to playing games outside.”
INC are in Pool G alongside Gisborne, Kapi Mana and Manawatu, and will open their account against Manawatu on Monday. Southland Country is in Pool D.
The INC team includes SBS Bank Academy Southland athletes Abbie Middlemiss and Anna Templeton.
Middlemiss will lead the team from the midcourt.
“I’ve been impressed with her toughness, both mental and physical. She’s a great wee athlete and she feeds the ball nicely,” Munro said.
Templeton, who plays goal shoot and goal attack, said she had enjoyed playing under Munro.
“She’s got a lot of knowledge and she’s happy to share that.”
In a historic moment for Southland netball, INC will also be sending a Southland under 17 boys team, coached by Rosie Cullen, to the national age group event in Hamilton.
They start their tournament against Tauranga on Monday.
For more information go to: https://www.netballnz.co.nz/netball-nz/competitions-events/domestic-events/u18-champs/draw-day-1-mens.html
Since 2005 SBS Bank Academy Southland has been supporting Southlanders with the opportunities, tools and support they need to reach the top of their game.
The Academy provides mental skills, athlete life, nutrition and strength and conditioning support to athletes in order to be the best they can be, as athletes and people.