It was a very successful night for netball at the Mid Canterbury Sports Awards on Friday (May 12) night at the Hotel Ashburton.

The 2022 ACL Premier 1 winning Celtic Auric Electrical A team won the senior team of the year title which was deserved recognition for a dominant season during which they were unbeaten, while Andrea Cousins won the coach of the year title to top off a huge year, the highlight of which was coaching a team from the Christchurch Netball Centre to the national under-18 title.

Mid Canterbury Netball also won a new award, the Community Sport and Recreation Impact Award, for it’s walking netball and no limits netball programmes. Through these two programmes, Mid Canterbury Netball is giving anyone who wants to play, an opportunity to get involved in the game, no matter their age, ability or how many barriers they have to overcome.

Umpire Lydia Wilson was also a finalist in the official of the year category, which was won by hockey’s Jacob Gray. A highlight of Wilson’s year was umpiring at the New Zealand Under-17 Championship.

Methven Netball Club stalwart Shirley Clemens was also recognised for her years of service to netball with a nomination in the volunteer category.

A massive congratulations to all of those nominated, and the big winners on the night, as well as to Jan Cochrane and the team at Sport Canterbury for putting on such a great evening.

Article added: Sunday 14 May 2023