Destination this year for the International Tour was the South Island of New Zealand where we spent 5 days in Christchurch and 5 days in Queenstown . Weather varied from mild, very cold to raining and snowing on the mountains in Queenstown.
Players, Coaches, Managers and supporters from Hobart, Townsville, Brisbane and Adelaide made their way to Christchurch New Zealand where we arrived at about midnight and settled into our accommodation at Camelot Motor Lodge.
We had four games in Christchurch and standard of games was good with some of the schools playing older girls against our teams which made for a stronger competition.
The under 13’s combination worked well and they came together as a team quicker than the 15’s. All players were enthusiastic and eager to play and represented both CANA and Australia with pride and their conduct was beyond reapproach during the whole period we were away. All players in both teams listened and followed instructions by the Coaches. Some of our games were indoors in the local school stadiums and some were outside. We experienced all weather from fine to raining and bitterly cold.
Two schools provided a morning and afternoon tea for the girls and supporters. This enabled the girls the chance to sit down and chat with the teams that they had played against.
Apart from Netball we had many exciting activities that were part of the Tour. The International Tour gives the girls the opportunity to play and represent CANA as well as experience the culture and beauty of another country which they certainly got to do.
Monday 15th April 2013
Our week started with our first netball game and in the evening we attended a ANZ series Netball game between Tactix and Mystics. What an exciting game. Draw at full time then again at play on period. A further 5 minutes of play saw Tactix win by 2. Back to accommodation at 11.00pm after a very busy first day.
Scores:
Under 13 : CANA (28) Vs Cashmere High School (13)
Under 15: CANA (15) Vs Cashmere High School (33)
Tuesday 16th April 2013
Today we went to the first of the arranged tours Adrenalin Forest, where the girls climbed, swung and flew through the forest on flying foxes. Cold for spectators watching but all the girls and adults that took part had a fabulous time.
Returned to accommodation for lunch and went to Hagley Park Courts to play Christchurch Girls School. Games were played outside and was extremely cold as well was raining. Very close game by the 13’s who played extremely well together. The 15’s came from behind to draw the game which was a great effort.
At night we had our welcome dinner at Robbies, Elmwood where each player, Coach and Manager was given a medal and badge as acknowledgement of their participation in the carnival.
Scores:
Under 13 : CANA (17) V Christchurch Girls School (20)
Under 15: CANA (23) V Christchurch Girls School (23)
Wednesday 17th April 2013
Morning was at leisure for the girls and we went to the local shops where we did some food shopping and had coffee and hot chocolates. After lunch headed into the country about 1 hours drive from Christchurch to Rangiora High School. Bus driver got lost but eventually got there. Raining again but played inside which was great. Lots of school students from the school watched and cheered the games which created a great atmosphere.
On the conclusion of the game the school hosted an afternoon tea for all players and supporters and welcomed and thanked us again. The School has 19 netball teams and extended an invitation to return.
After the games went to Westfield Shopping Centre so the girls could do some shopping.
Scores:
Under 13 : CANA (24) V Rangiora High School (20)
Under 15: CANA (17) V Rangiora High School (35)
Thursday 18th April 2013
This morning saw a visit to the Antarctic Centre located at the Christchurch Airport. We all boarded the Huggland Vehicles which are used in the Antarctic. Up and down over cliffs to experience a little of how it is to travel around in the great white expanse. We then went into a specially built room with ice and experienced a “summer blizzard”. Saw penguins being fed and whole lot of other displays on what has been discovered in the Antarctica. It was interesting to learn that millions of years ago the area was covered by lush forests.
Afternoon we set off to Papanui High School to play. Games were outside and it was bitterly cold. The 13’s won easily and 15’s was very close and an exciting game.
Scores:
Under 13 : CANA (47) V Papanui High School (7)
Under 15: CANA (27) V Papanui High School (26)
Friday 19th April 2013
Today we had no games so headed to Hanmer Springs, natural thermal pools which was a picturesque town. Girls used the pools and slides of the springs and thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Saturday 20th April 2013
Headed off on the all day bus trip to Queenstown. It rained all day and low clouds so we did not have the opportunity to stop along the way to take photos at the many picturesque places. Arrived at our accommodation in Queenstown which was below standard.
Sunday 21st April 2013.
Travelled 1 hour to Cromwell College for morning games. The Under 13’s outclassed the local team but the 15’s was a very close and exciting game. College had arranged morning tea after the game which was lovely and gave the girls the opportunity to mingle with the players of the other team.
Returned to Queenstown in the afternoon and went in the Gondola to the top of the mountain where everyone had 5 luge rides (which are like go carts without power)and traversed two tracks of different grades part way down the mountain. Enjoyed a Haki Show and then buffet dinner overlooking the Town and Lake Below.
Scores:
Under 13 : CANA (55) VS Cromwell College (6)
Under 15: CANA (12) VS Cromwell College (15)
Monday 22nd April 2013.
Originally we were going to Milford Sounds but due to being a 14 hour round trip we changed to boat trip on the lake and visit to a farm with a BBQ lunch. Returned to Queenstown where we took them to a room made completely of Ice for a mocktail. Girls continued shopping in the afternoon.
Tuesday 23rd April 2013
Our last game of the tour was at the Wakatipu High School which was in an Indoor Stadium. Great competition in both of these games and with us winning both age groups. Although the scores don’t reflect it the game was of a good standard.
In the afternoon went to Historic Arrow Town then back to accommodation for our farewell dinner. Invited parents to come and join us for the last night.
Scores:
Under 13 : CANA (33) VS Wakatipu High School (6)
Under 15: CANA (34) VS Wakatipu High School (9)
Wednesday 24th April 2013
Today sadly our tour came to an end with the group flying to Auckland then dispersing to Brisbane and Melbourne.
Thank you to all Coaches and Managers for their hard work during the tour. Without their dedication it would not be possible to have this tour. Thanks to all the parents who gave the opportunity to their daughters to take part in this tour.
Under 13
Coach: Joanne Whelan
Manager: Tracey Smith
Under 15
Coach: Kevin Ryan
Manager: Kerry Davies
Marilyn Tregilgas
GROUP TOUR MANAGER
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