For once the weather forecast didn’t disappoint and provided a warm sunny day for the first ever Build it Netball day hosted by Build it and the Overstrand Municipality who generously provided use of their netball court and club facilities for the long anticipated Netball Tournament.
The turnout was great with over 70 netball players, referees and spectator’s joining in the fun. The atmosphere was festive at this family friendly event and there was a stall selling boerewors rolls, sweet treats and soft drinks for those needing a little sustenance.
The five teams that entered consisted of two U14 teams from Gansbaai and Stanford and three Gansbaai Adult Teams that consisted of some of the town's most familiar and well-loved local ladies. Without a doubt, Netball is definitely the trendy, keep-fit action sport for women of all ages.
From the minute the referee blew the whistle, matches were fast paced and the teams produced some impressive ball handling drills and back-line throw-ins. Never underestimate small towns because these small town netball players all have tremendously big talents!
The first U14 game against Gansbaai and Stanford was neck-on-neck and the second game was dominated by Stanford who were the overall winners.
In round one of the Adult matches the Gansbaai A Team ruled the court and produced quite a win against the Gansbaai B Team. The second round between Gansbaai B and the ladies of Blompark’s Seastars was dominated by the Seastars . In a show of true ladies sportsmanship the third round between the first and second round winners was allocated as a draw after one of the Seastar players was quite seriously injured in the last moments of the exhilarating match.
Build it employee and Build it Netball Day organizer Monica Laubscher, says she created this event to encourage women to become actively involved in sport and invites ladies from the greater Gansbaai region to contact her directly if they want to be part of this initiative. Businesses and private individuals who would are interested in sponsoring potential new teams are always needed and there has been a keen interested shown to start a ladies team from Masakhane.
Plans are already underway for next year’s event that Monica would like to take place in Spring. Special thanks go to Overstrand Municipality for the use of their impeccable club and court facilities, and also for the assistance of the friendly municipality staff. To everyone who attended as support and spectators Monica says, “see you all next year for a bigger event that promises to showcase more of the greater Gansbaai and Hermanus netball teams as well as provide a whole lot of fun!”
For more information contact Monica directly at monica@gansbaaibuildit.co.za
