Cock-a-hoop about netball

The Masters Netball Competition on Wednesday nights involves 300 players, of whom 45 are over 60 and seven are over 70.

Chris Allen, is the organiser and a player, and enjoys the Masters competition for its social value.

“It’s such fun and you meet such a variety of people,” she said.

“The Masters becomes more of an outing because many of us know people from other teams.”

Chris, 68, started playing netball at the age of 16 in the UK and when she moved to Australia joined a mothers’ netball group. She has been playing the Masters competition for 23 years and been involved as a volunteer for 21.

“When we celebrated the Masters’ 25th anniversary, many of the teams that started are still there.

“Two of our four divisions are social grade, which makes the competition really fun without being too competitive.

“The Masters competition gives us the opportunity to go out and have a bit of fun.

“Life doesn’t have to stop when you leave work.”

Nita Badcock, 74, started playing netball in primary school and has always loved the sport. She is grateful because she believes netball helped her identify a heart problem.

“I was losing my breath on the court and found out I needed a stent,” she said. Netball is also a great way for me to keep exercising which I need to do for my heart.”

This year, a new netball format is being introduced. Fast5 netball will have five players a side, shorter quarters, rolling substitutions and 29 minutes’ play time comprising six-minute quarters and quarter and half-time breaks.

It hopes to appeal to seniors looking for some fitness in a fun, social setting.