Netballers take over Invercargill in economic boost for city

“So many haven’t been [to Stadium Southland] before, they are super impressed. You underestimate it when you are here all of the time.

Seventy-four netball teams are in Invercargill this week competing in the South Island Secondary School Championships. Photo: MONICA TORETTO

Hundreds of netballers have converged on Invercargill in a boost for accommodation providers and other businesses.

For the first time in nine years Invercargill is this week hosting the South Island secondary schools netball tournament.

All up 74 teams have made the trip to Invercargill for the tournament bringing over 1000 players and officials to the city.

On top of that, a whole lot of family and friends have made the trip to support boosting the numbers further.

The tournament started on Monday and will run through to Thursday when the finals are held.

Tournament organiser Fiona Ward said it had been a great start.

“It’s all go, it’s fantastic here. It’s been going really well and there’s been some really good netball.”

All of the games are being held at ILT Stadium Southland and Ward said everyone had been impressed by the venue.

“So many haven’t been here before, they are super impressed. You underestimate it when you are here all of the time.

“It’s just so well set up. We’ve got a players’ lounge, we’ve got an umpires area… It’s a really good vibe.”

“There are a heap of spectators coming in and out.”

It’s made for a massive couple of weeks for ILT Stadium Southland with the venue last week hosting the popular Murihiku Polyfest.

ILT Stadium Southland is full of activity this week with the South Island Secondary Schools netball tournament. Photo: MONICA TORETTO

Pool games were held on Monday and Tuesday before the start of crossover fixtures later on Tuesday.

Eleven Southland schools are taking part this week with four teams starting in the A-grade competition.

They are Southland Girls’ High School, James Hargest College, Central Southland College, and St Peters College.

Southland Girls’ High School and St Peters College in action at the South Island Secondary Schools tournament in Invercargill. Photo: MONICA TORETTO

Southland Girls’, Central Southland College, and James Hargest College all finished in the top two of their respective pools.

Central Southland College and James Hargest College then both produced wins in crossover games played on Tuesday afternoon.

Central Southland College beat Cashmere High School 35-33 and James Hargest College beat Christchurch Girls’ High School 37-35.

Southland Girls’ lost 43-24 to St Margarets.