Two trans-Tasman fixtures headline 21/U International draw

Thursday, August 2, 2012

The 2012 21/U International Netball Series, featuring Australia, New Zealand, England and Samoa, will commence on Thursday 23 August and conclude with the Grand Final on Wednesday 29 August, 2012.

The draw for the week long series will see all teams play each other twice during the round robin before semi-finals and finals are contested on the last two days of the competition.

Australia’s two fixtures against arch-rivals New Zealand in Round 3 and Round 5 headline the first phase of the tournament, which will be held at the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre, Ballarat.

“This tournament provides a unique opportunity for our athletes to experience international netball and the varying styles of play from our international opponents; a first for many of the young athletes in our team,” said Australian 21/U coach Carol Byers.

The 21/U International Netball Series will be the first underage international tournament of its kind and according to Byers, the tournament will give her and the athletes an insight into what can be expected in twelve months’ time at the World Youth Netball Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.  

“This tournament will feature teams that we can expect to be our biggest challenge next year so our athletes have the chance to benchmark themselves against their peers,” Byers said.  “While selection for next year’s championships won’t be finalised until 2013, the tournament in Ballarat will give these players the opportunity to show me and the selectors what they can do on the international stage.”

Ballarat Mayor Cr Mark Harris said the city is excited to host the 2012 21/U International Netball Series and local sports fans are keen to watch world-class netball.

“Ballarat is renowned as a premier sporting event city and in a few weeks, the international netball series will be the talk of the town.  We warmly welcome all competitors, coaches, officials and supporters from England, New Zealand and Samoa, and of course we will all be cheering for our own Australian team.

“Netball is one of the most popular and competitive sports here in Ballarat, and the opportunity to watch this international competition as well as meet and engage with the world’s rising netball stars is exciting for Ballarat.”

To buy tickets to the 2012 21/U International Netball Series click here.