NZSS Netball Tournament 2017 team profile: Christchurch Girls’ High School

The CGHS team after winning their Saturday Senior 1 final earlier this season.

Christchurch Girls’ High School last qualified for the NZSS Netball Nationals in 2013 when they finished 16th. Before that they attended the tournament in 2001 and 2003; their best result being in 2001 when they were runners-up.
 
This year, CGHS qualified from the recent SISS tournament, finishing fifth behind winners St Hilda’s Collegiate, subsequently moved up to fourth qualifier following the withdrawal of Columba College. At Rotorua, CGHS are in Pool A and play Palmerston North Girls’ High School and defending champions Saint Kentigern College on day one on Tuesday.
 
Some more about their team below.

School: Christchurch Girls’ High School
Coach:  Andrea Cousins
Captains: Greer Williams, Deputy Evie Dysart

Team Members: ​Sam Adams, Shana Ali, Ella Bachop, Evie Dysart, Emma Hartnell, Charlotte Knight, Isla Kolien, Martha Lolohea, Kiah Ralph, Greer Williams

What’s it going to take for your school to do well in the NZSS Nationals next week in Rotorua?
Our team performs at our best when we use ball speed in any turn over ball from defence through to our shooters; players have great confidence in each other and let the ball go. Our defence right through the court is also a strength. The team members get on very well with each other and have fun on and off the court. We need to maintain our positive team culture throughout Nationals in Rotorua.
 
What local competitions has your school team played in this year and how did your team go?
Our team play in the Wednesday school SuperNet competition (we came 5th this year) and in the Saturday Christchurch Club competition. In the Saturday competition we play a mixture of school and club teams. This year our team won the Senior 1 competition, which was a fantastic result. One other event we played in this year, and won, was the annual Quadrangular tournament with Waitaki, Timaru and Avonside Girls’ High Schools.

​Who are your school’s closest rivals on the netball court?
St Andrew’s College, St Margaret’s College, Ashburton College and Villa Maria College.

Tell us about a memorable match your team has been involved in this year?
In the SISS Netball tournament we had a great game against eventual winners St Hilda’s College. The game was close throughout, with some spectacular netball played on centre court at the Hagley Netball courts. St Hilda’s were the eventual winners by 6 goals, however, the team came off the court feeling proud of the game they had played.

What’s the age make-up of your team?
None of our team have participated in this tournament before. We have a mixture of year 11, 12 and 13 girls.
 
What’s the strength of your team?
In our team this year we have three Christchurch Netball Centre representative players. Kiah was a member of the Under 19 team and Sam and Shana were both in the Under 17 team. Three of our players were named in the talented players’ squad after the SISS tournament – a player from our shooting circle - Kiah, our mid court - Shana and our defence circle - Charlotte. We have particular strength right though the court! Shana and Charlotte are two of our year 11 players, which is great for the future of the team.

Are there individuals in your team that also play other sports?
SIx of our team also play volleyball and all attended Volleyball Nationals this year. Two of the team are involved in Sevens and attended the Condor Nationals at the end of 2016.

What other support has your team received to get to allow it to operate at the level it does?
Our coach Andrea Cousins is also coach of Technical A netball team who were runners up in the Christchurch Netball Premier club competition. Andrea frequently brings some of her Technical players to the side line of our team’s games for inspiration and to add their input. In turn, our players have watched some of the Technical games to witness the skill and flair these older players display in their game. The team have had sponsors’ support through a newspaper advertising feature. They are grateful to the following businesses for their generosity: Performance Physio, Trevino’s Restaurant and Bar, L & A Apparel and Monograms, Ali’s Panel and Paint, Lewthwaite & Associates Limited (chartered accountants), Joe Brankin of Mike Pero Real Estate, Nairn Electrical, Canter Projects, Bailies Bar and Restaurant, Limit Zero and Nesbit Shearing Limited.