Action netball defence keeps players on their toes

The Arena Action Netball women and mixed teams at the Hilfox Value Centre continued into its fifth week.

A total of 48 teams played 21 games on Monday, 4 April. Both men and women took to the courts for 35-minute games. Players of all ages played in the league. Even a woman who is 60-years-old proved herself worthy of the league when she showed off her skills. Gender equality reigned supreme once again when men and women played in mixed teams.

Arena netball is not much different from outdoor netball. The rules are the same but instead of the lines around the court, they have nets.

The league lasts 10 weeks and the teams work hard to make it into the next round the following week. Teams play twice a week, on Monday and Wednesday nights. The junior league consisting of children as young as 5-years-old to 14-years-old play on Friday nights.

Ten of the strongest players, who are called the Hornets, are handpicked at the Hillfox Value Centre to play against teams from other suburbs. The strongest players within those teams get picked to play for the provincial team. If they win they are then picked to play for South Africa.

“Women and men of any age are welcome to come and join the league,” said coach and umpire Rene Block, who is the coordinator for Gauteng Netball.

At the end of the league, the three winning teams will receive gold, silver or bronze medals.

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