Whakatāne High School’s senior A girls netball team warmed up for UNISS in the best possible fashion by winning the Whakatāne Netball Centre premier grade final.

The 34-31 victory over Trident was Whakatāne’s first in at least 10 years and a fitting way for the team to send out some of their year 13s.
Coach Te Aorere Walker said the girls produced a thrilling performance in the final.

“I couldn't be more proud of the girls and their efforts over the weekend. Trident really do set the standard for netball in our area, and it is so cool to know that we can throw it down against some of the best.

“The girls really really wanted to win this game, and it was really awesome to see some real grit and determination out on court.”

Walker said everyone played their part.

“Our strong defence combo had the pressure on the Trident shooters, making it hard for them to find the goal. They made some crucial turnovers in the second and third quarters that our attacking end were able to capitalise on.

“Our mid-court worked hard to be available and get to the circle edge, which isn't easy against a strong Trident defensive end.

“Our shooters controlled the circle beautifully, taking the ball with real strength in the air and shooting the lights out.”

Positivity has been key for the girls there was plenty of it in the final.

“I am most proud of the way the girls stayed true to their silly selves throughout the game. Having fun, always smiling, always positive and representing everything it means to be from our kura.”

The team was not short of motivation with players departing and a former coach passing away recently.

“Having five Year 13 girls leaving our team this year, one of them being Lily Anderson, this win felt extra special.

Katrina (Anderson) played an important role in many of the girls' netball journey through school, and Lily said it best in her acceptance speech, saying ‘Mum would be very proud’.”

Walker said they were now looking forward to UNISS next week in Auckland.

“Although our regular season is finished, our job is not done yet. This Sunday, our girls will be travelling up to Auckland to compete in the UNISS Netball Tournament. We have big goals and will be working hard to get our team promoted into A Grade for next year.”

Whakatane Netball Centre president Al Fenwick said it was another fantastic season.

“It was great to see Trident challenged and beaten. They have been the benchmark for so long and it now shows that other teams are starting to reach their level, which is exciting.”

He said numbers were at an all-time high with teams from throughout the Eastern Bay taking part. Fenwick is grateful to the group of volunteers who make his job easy.

“I couldn’t do it without them. The amount of work they and our committee do to make sure fees are kept cheap and things run smoothly.”

This year Netball Whakatāne has done more umpire training, and he considers their umpires are on par with some bigger centres.

“They’ve all been putting in the hard work; it’s great seeing netball this popular.”
Silver Ferns captain Ameilaranne Ekenasio was an ambassador for the Whakatāne Netball Centre in 2025 and appeared at the court a few times during the season.

“It was great having her come and visit during the season.”