Motueka’s oldest netball club turns 50!

Fifty years ago when a bunch of women decided to establish a netball club together they had no trouble coming up with a name. After all, they had all been pupils and players at Riwaka Primary School, thus Riwaka Old Girls Netball Club was born.

As the founding members matured and moved around the district and other members became interested in the Club, the area from where players were drawn was not regionally specific. The Riwaka Old Girls Netball Club name has remained but nowadays its members are from many parts of the Motueka region.

And today, they continue to be a respected force in the local competition.

Founding member Ronnie Wilkins remains active in the Club today as a coach while also undertaking the president’s role of Motueka Netball Centre.

“Netball’s an abso lute passion. I just love it, it keeps my mind alert,’ says Ronnie. “I really enjoy it because of the girls. Some players are really good friends now, even though I’m much older.” championships you’ve got to change the way you coach,” says Ronnie.

A highly experienced, motivated and much-valued senior coach, Ronnie’s first role as the Club’s coach was in 1973 and over the years she would be responsible for up to five teams a season, her longevity seeing her coaching three generations as the years went by. Taking on senior representative coaching roles along with administration, Ronnie was a a leading force and very instrumental in the setting up of netball at the Motueka Recreation Centre, especially with the establishment of the netball courts and office.

Ronnie has dedicated herself to the sport over the past half century, receiving a NZ Service Award for her efforts.

Above: Riwaka Old Girls Netball 1982 - Sue Young (nee Spittal), Belinda Henderson, Noeline Fowler (nee Baker), Ronnie Wilkins (nee Goodall), Gay Milnes, Roslyn Primmer (nee Bisley) and Sharon VanWorkum (nee Jackson).

Top right: Club stalwart Darylene Nelmes is the current secretary and treasurer.

Bottom right: Ronnie’s sister the late Yvonne Primmer, Dame Lois Muir and Ronnie Wilkins.

The passionate and highly-respected coach says encouraging players to become coaches has been paramount in the Club.

And while the uniforms have constantly evolved with fashion since 1970, from when they first ran out in the blue and white gingham dress, the Club’s ability to continually set and meet season goals has remained steadfast, last year winning the top team trophy for grade 1, highest goal average, the president’s round championship grade 1 and grade 1 deportment trophy.

The progressive Club is the oldest netball club in Motueka and provides a positive approach and support for all players within the Club, no matter what level of play says Ronnie. And toward the season’s end they’ll be gearing up for their 50th birthday celebrations.

“We’ll have a big dinner at our end of year presentation and will somehow integrate our celebrations into that.”

Riwaka Old Girls 20 year Service Holders –Evelyn Gilbertson, Noeline Fovoler, Sharon VanWorkem, Tania Wilkins, Darylene Nelmes,

Janine Thomas and Amanda Richards.

Riwaka Old Girls original team players 1970 –Kay Bisley, Ronnie Wilkins, June Fry, Carol Gatenby, Michelle Hart, Maureen Reed, Val Fauchele-Reeve and two seasonal workers.