The Trident High School netball team are hoping to surprise a few teams at the New Zealand Secondary School Championships in Porirua next week.

Trident, which finished sixth at UNISS in Auckland to gain qualification, will come up against Nelson’s Nayland College, Wellington’s Scots College and Bay of Plenty neighbours Rotorua Girls’ High School in pool play, before the competition splits.
Action starts on Tuesday, with Trident making their way to Porirua tomorrow.

With a couple of players missing because of a volleyball trip to Japan, the side has called up a couple of year 9 netballers to join the team, which comprises players from various year levels.

Teacher in charge of netball Lisa Bethell said the girls were excited to get down to Wellington and play.

“Our netball season finished about three weeks ago, but for this group, they’ve been putting in a bit extra to make sure they are ready for nationals.”

She said their goal was simply to be competitive and take it game by game.

“We’re good enough to be here. We just need to realise that and stick to what we know we can do on the court. They’re a great bunch of girls and it’s an exciting opportunity for many.”

It’s the third time Trident High School has made it to nationals, with the last time being in 2022 when they finished seventh.

“It’s been a huge commitment from the girls to give it all they can to make sure they’re ready for nationals.

"There are four year 13s, two year 12s, a year 11, two year 10s and three year 9s in the squad.

“We utilise all different year levels, so our young players often get that experience.”

One of the year 9s played at UNISS, Te Waimarino Takamore, so she knows what to expect at nationals.

“The other two may not play a lot, but it will be a great experience for them.

They’re excited and ready to go if needed.”

Netball New Zealand is looking at proposed changes to the national tournament, requiring sides to finish in the top three to make it, meaning it would become a lot harder for Trident to be selected.

“They are changing the rules making it the top three from each area. We are kind of going to make the most of the experience."

Bethell said it would be a great contest when they faced Rotorua Girls’.

“We have them on day two and hopefully we can get one back on them as they finished third at UNISS.”

Ngarori and Te Ahuru Waititi are still coaching the Trident side and have done a fabulous job with them.

In preparation for nationals, Trident have been playing the Tauranga men’s team as a warm-up, while a mixture of men and women from Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne have also played the girls.

“It’s just offered something a bit different for them,” said Bethell.

READY: The Trident High School netball team is heading off to the National Secondary School Championships in Porirua tomorrow. Photo supplied