Sport in short
Top-level basketball comes to town on Saturday. Photo Peter Jones
Giants v Saints
Two of the country’s most decorated basketball teams will go head-to-head at Stadium 2000 on Saturday, April 4. The NBS Nelson Giants will meet the reigning NBL champions, the Mills Albert Wellington Saints, in what is termed the “NBL Pre-season Slam”. Tip-off is at 5.30pm. Tickets available through Marlborough Basketball.
Brodie steps up
Former Marlborough Boys’ College basketballer Brodie Materoa has been signed as a rookie player by the Nelson Giants. The Giants’ management said, “At 6’4”, Brodie is a strong presence on the wing, primarily as a small forward, while also capable of stepping into the power forward role. Looking ahead, he also has the goal of being able to play the shooting guard position. With a smooth touch, Brodie looks to be a player with a bright long-term future in the NBL.”
Swimming success
The four-strong Blenheim Swimming Club contingent at the recent South Island Long Course Champs returned with a swag of medals. Leading the way was para swimmer Jack Bugler who claimed five golds, winning the 100m back, 100m free, 50m fly, 50m free and 50m back titles. Jack Love was crowned SI champ in the 200m free and 400IM, while winning silver in the 200IM, plus bronze in the 200m fly. Nicola Lovell bagged gold in the 400IM, 200IM and 200 breast, plus silver on the 50m and 100m breast. Will Atkinson scored gold in the 50m and 100m fly events.
College tennis team third
The Marlborough Boys’ College tennis team of Flynn Weaver, Jack King and Callum Wells delivered an impressive performance overall at the South Island Secondary School Tennis Cup competition last week in Timaru, finishing the tournament with a well-deserved bronze medal. A narrow loss to Fiordland during pool play proved pivotal, ultimately placing the boys in a challenging semi-final against eventual champions Otago Boys’.
Mac attack
A string of top results has earned former Marlborough athlete Neve McKenzie selection in the NZ under-19 track cycling team which will attend the World Junior Tracks Championships later this year in Belgium.
Meanwhile, her younger sibling, Honor McKenzie, has produced a string of impressive results at both track and field and triathlon events. Honor, now attending St Kentigern College in Auckland, won the under-13 girls Auckland schools triathlon, claimed 3000m and 1500m titles at the Auckland schools athletics champs then capped it off with a gold medal in the under-13 section at the New Zealand Secondary School triathlon champs.
Water polo success
The Marlborough Girls’ College water polo side has finished third at the 2026 South Island secondary school champs. MGC players Poppy Clark and Hayley McCormack were named in the tournament team. The Marlborough Boys’ College team finished seventh, scoring a notable 16-14 win over Southland BHS. Both teams now head to division two nationals. A highlight of the recent trip was the presentation of the Caltex Good in Sport Award to MGC coach Alastair Keay, an award “celebrating those who go above and beyond helping others, giving back, and inspiring everyone around them”.
Paddles up
Marlborough’s Kaitlyn Adams has been selected for the 2026 U21 Canoe Polo Paddle Ferns and is heading to Germany for the World Championships this September.