Sport
12 October, 2026
FNQ netballers win international tournament in NZ
THE Kenfrost Homes Marlin Coast academy has returned to Australia undefeated after claiming the International Netball Festival championship in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The team arrived in Christchurch on 24 September 2026 and took part in a clinic and training session at Parakiore Sports and Recreation Centre the following day.
Players also attended a traditional Maori cultural experience and an opening ceremony dinner and entertainment, alongside international teams including Samoa, Fiji, Mackay, Buggies (Indigenous teams Australia) and Marlin Coast Academy.
Competition began on 26 September 2026, with Marlin Coast opening its campaign with a 25-18 win over ESP, an academy team from Christchurch.
The side followed up with a 22-10 win over Christchurch team The Movers, then defeated Mackay Pink, a Queensland Mackay State High School team, 41-8.
Marlin Coast completed the day with a 33-24 victory over Christchurch High School team Dynasty.
Playing in temperatures of -3 degrees on 27 September 2026, Marlin Coast continued its unbeaten run with a 43-9 win over Mackay Purple and a 34-15 victory against Auckland club team Ass1 Phoenix.
The academy faced Dynasty again in the semi-final on 28 September 2026, winning 28-24 to secure a place in the grand final against The Movers.
Marlin Coast trailed by three goals at the end of the first quarter and stayed one goal behind through the second and third quarters before fighting back to secure a 28-24 victory and finish the tournament undefeated.
The result crowned Marlin Coast International Netball Festival champions at Christchurch 2026, New Zealand.
After the grand final, the team attended a closing ceremony and dinner at The Gondola, overlooking Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour.
The players celebrated their tournament victory with a full day of festivities at Mount Hutt on 29 September 2026, including skiing and snowboarding in the Canterbury region, before returning to Australia on 30 September 2026.
