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Challenge accepted

A trio of Year 11 Marlborough Girls’ College students turned in a meritorious effort at the recent Merrell Summer Challenge 2026 in Ashburton. Competing in the six-hour challenge section, the Munchie Miles team of Georgie Fissenden, Emma Anderson and Hannah Kole finished as the top junior combination, in just their second adventure race. They were 11th overall, taking 8 hours 12 mins to navigate their way around a tough course at Lake Clearwater. The event comprised a 5km kayak, an 11km mountain bike stage, an 8km hike, followed by a 12 km mountain bike ride to finish. The girls have been training in the Wither Hills, taking advantage of the orienteering course put in place by Mondo Kopua.

Tennis whitewash

Marlborough’s junior tennis talent underlined their recent dominance over their Nelson counterparts, completing a clean sweep in the annual under-18 Blair Cup trophy fixture. The teams played at the Forrest Winery tennis centre on Sunday 8 February and although some highly competitive tennis was played, the home side came away with a comprehensive 16-0 result, backing up their 12-4 victory in 2025. The Marlborough team: Jack King, Flynn Weaver (captain), Callum Wells, Alex Herd, Joseph Gilhooly, Mia Harris, Zoey She, Lily Atkinson, Emily Preece, Pippa Sowman. Reilly Quirk (coach).

Cricketers outclassed

The Nelson Nyxons outclassed their Marlborough women’s cricketing rivals in the third clash between the sides this season. At Horton Park on Sunday, Nelson quickly took a vice-like grip on Sunday’s match and never relinquished it. Boadicea Lynch was the top scorer for Marlborough, with 11 runs as the home side were bowled out for 45 runs in just 19.5 overs. Nelson's openers quickly set about knocking off the runs required, getting the job done in the 10^th over, the visitors reaching 46-1.

‘Jim’ in charge

Marlborough Sportsperson of the Year 2025 Timoci “Jim” Tavatavanawai will once again captain the Highlanders during the Super Rugby Pacific season. After a breakout season in 2025, during which ‘Jim’ made his All Blacks debut and led the ‘Landers with his customary direct approach, he will again co-captain the southerners alongside former Mako loosie Hugh Renton, playing a strong role in his side's first-up victory over the defending champions last week.

Netball honour

The Marlborough Netball Association recently acknowledged the long-time service of three stalwarts. Viv Broughton, Mary Adams and Brenda Chilvers were rewarded for many years of hard work and dedication on the local netball scene with life membership to the association.

Hockey hopeful

Marlborough Underwater Hockey player Albie Edmonds is training hard with an eye on selection for the under-19 New Zealand men’s team which will travel to Turkey for the world championships in July. The Marlborough club are holding Have-A-Go days on Thursdays 19 and 26 February, from 5.45pm - 7pm. Pool entry payable. Bring a mask and snorkel if you have one, otherwise all gear is provided.

Pride of Marlborough

Three Marlborough softballers are part of the Southern Pride squad which will contest the national fastpitch championships at Canterbury Dynasty Ballpark in Christchurch. They are Braden Healy, Drew Roberts and Sam Kenny. The event runs from 19-22 February.