The Hanan Shield is officially back in Mid Canterbury!

Mid Canterbury came out on top when they travelled south to Waimate to take on South Canterbury and North Otago in the annual Hanan Shield tournament on Sunday.

They arrived in Waimate to find that last year’s winners South Canterbury had notched up a comprehensive win over North Otago, meaning that Mid Canterbury needed to beat South Canterbury in the middle game of the day to stand any chance of claiming the shield back.

And they did just that, but they had it far from their own way. There was little in it for the first half, and the two sides were tied at 20-all at half time, before South Canterbury managed to get out to a six-goal lead at one point in the third. Down at the last break Mid Canterbury needed to start strong, and they did, eventually getting their nose in front and staying there to take it out 48-45.

That meant a win over North Otago in the last game of the day would seal it, and despite the convincing loss to South Canterbury earlier in the day North Otago were not a team to take lightly. But it was Mid Canterbury’s day, with the Cindy Meadows coached side taking it out 55-35 to ensure the Hanan Shield would make the trip back to Ashburton with them.

Mid Canterbury last won the Hanan Shield in 2020, and were looking to make it a hat-trick last year, but South Canterbury spoiled the party.

Now, Mid Canterbury has the shield back in its possession and will have home town advantage to defend it in 2023 when Mid Canterbury hosts the next installment.

Also making the trip to Waimate on Sunday were Mid Canterbury bench officials and umpires, with Heath Lyttle umpiring the game between Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury, and Lydia Wilson umpiring the game between Mid Canterbury and North Otago.

Mid Canterbury Netball would like to congratulate all of those who played and officiated on a job very well done!

Article added: Monday 08 August 2022