[Bottom of Page]
[Back To News
Page] [Home Page]
A development camp was held in Palmerston North over the weekend of 8
- 9 November 2003 that was a great success.
Troy Ramsay, the New Zealand Men's coach was the organiser of the
weekend and players from Christchurch through to Auckland attended. There were 10
female and 15 male players as well as some officials in training, one
of the biggest turn outs for the game in New Zealand so far. Because of the
good number of female players, for the first time games just for
woman were arranged. Petronella Spicer the only female New Zealand
Representative so far commented that "Though I enjoy playing against
the men down in Christchurch, it is wonderful to play and match myself
against other women players, it has been fantastic".
The weekend started on Saturday with a series of games in teams of
roughly equal ability, with a break at lunchtime followed by some
coaching from Troy, Jeff Clendon the GNZ development officer, and the New
Zealand players who had been away to Canberra earlier in the year. The
emphasis being mainly on defense, and this showed in the much improved
defensive work done in further games that afternoon.
Sunday started with further coaching, this time including some skills to
do with throwing the ball, as well as further defensive practice. Teams
were seeded a little more in the games that were played, all being very
close, with low scores (much improved defensive work)and very
exciting.
Because the teams were not provincial, the overall outcome was not
important but each game was hard fought and played to win, making them
excellent to play in and watch.
Four trophies were awarded at the end of the weekend, most improved, and
most promising player in both female and male categories. these
were
Most Promising Player
Charles Tauhore
Sue Thoms
Most Improved Player
Darius Peautagi
Maria Stevens
Many thanks go out to Troy for all his efforts in organising a great
weekend that has really put Goalball on the map and set us up for an
exciting and sure to be hard fought nationals next year.
Personally I think the comment from Mike Marsh of Wellington summed it up
for me as he staggered off the court after one hard fought game. He was
breathing hard, dripping sweat, holding his side from an opposition speed
ball and said, "Geez I like this game".
More photos can be found Here.
[Back To Top]
[Back To News Page]
[Home Page]