No more netball this season

The Marlborough netball season is over.

With a logjam of games backing up before the end of their season on September 4, the Marlborough Netball Association executive have decided to cancel the remainder of their season.

MNA spokesperson Rachel Tau’alupe said, “we just don’t have the capacity to push the season out indefinitely, especially with all the uncertainty surrounding COVID levels at the moment”.

“Therefore, the season has been cut short by three games, which is unfortunate, but we also forsee challenges with the Stadium being used as a vaccination location at the moment.”

Finals across all the senior grades were originally scheduled for September 4.

“We didn’t intend to go past that date,” said Rachel, “and we were so close to getting there.

“It is such a shame [we had to cancel] as everyone associated with the sport has worked so hard throughout the season.”

The MNA will still proceed with handing out awards across all grades, at a date yet to be confirmed.

“We want to recognise how well everyone has played and everything that has happened up until this point, so we are still seeking nominations for our senior, intermediate and junior awards. We plan to finish on something of a high,” Rachel added.

In other netball news, Rachel has replaced Beth Tester as chair of the Marlborough Netball Association executive. Beth, who was intending to step down at the end of the season, resigned soon after the latest COVID lockdown came into place, her role in the PHO demanding her full attention.

Rachel, formerly MNA deputy chair, said, “Beth has contributed greatly to our centre and we thank her for her time and efforts. Her work will be recognised once levels allow.”