The Wanderers netball club from Australia showcased a remarkable performance at the Salad Bowl Netball Festival in Sigatoka, marking their third trip to Fiji. Under the guidance of coach Marianna McKay, the team is composed of players from various parts of Australia, most of whom met for the first time during this tour.
Despite the initial lack of familiarity, the group has swiftly bonded thanks to McKay’s leadership. She explained, “We have 19 players forming two open teams with ages starting from around 19. My responsibility is to bring them together as they didn’t know each other before this. However, after a few games, they adapted, and the weather has been quite favorable.”
The Wanderers have a deep-rooted relationship with Fiji, having previously toured the country, making them well-acquainted with the local competitive landscape. McKay noted, “We came with three junior teams in December last year, and those teams played in Suva.”
The club has developed strong ties with both the Suva and Salad Bowl Netball Associations and intends to return next year. This tour was not solely focused on competition; the players were eager to immerse themselves in the local culture and create lasting memories. “The girls were really looking forward to experiencing everything Fiji has to offer,” she mentioned.
As the Wanderers prepare to return to Australia next week, the success of their tours in Fiji only enhances the club’s connection to the region and reinforces their commitment to participating in local netball events again in the future. They are already planning their return for next year.