The Wanderers netball club from Australia showcased an impressive performance at the Salad Bowl Netball Festival in Sigatoka, marking their third visit to Fiji. Under the guidance of coach Marianna McKay, the team is composed of players from various regions in Australia, many of whom were strangers prior to this tour.
Despite initial unfamiliarity, the players have quickly bonded and adapted to playing together. McKay remarked, “We’ve got 19 players forming two open teams with an age range starting at around 19 years. My job is to bring them together, and after a few games, they have started to click. The weather has also been quite pleasant.”
The Wanderers have a history with Fiji, having toured the country before and participated in local competitions. McKay noted, “We brought three junior teams in December last year, and they played in Suva.”
The club has developed strong relationships with both the Suva and Salad Bowl Netball Associations and has plans to return next year. However, this tour is focused not only on the competition but also on immersing themselves in the local culture and making lasting memories. “The girls were really looking forward to today and experiencing everything Fiji has to offer,” McKay stated.
As the Wanderers prepare for their return to Australia next week, their successful tours in Fiji further solidify the club’s connections in the region and demonstrate their ongoing commitment to participating in local netball events.