Scots College Netball Tour: Four Wins and Lifelong Memories in Brisbane
In Term 2 2026, our netball team travelled to Brisbane and returned unbeaten, winning four matches against Australian schools and watching the Sunshine Coast Lightning take on the Giants, in a tour that tested us both on and off the court.
A Bumpy Start
Our adventure began before we even touched the ground. In May, during Term 2, what should have been a simple four-hour flight became a six-hour journey after we descended straight into a storm over Brisbane. A few unexpected drops, and we had already tested our motion-sickness levels before Dreamworld and Movie World even had the chance. We eventually made it to Brisbane, not with the start we planned, but a perfect reminder to stay flexible.
Four Games, Four Wins
Once we arrived, our focus shifted to our first game against Sunshine Coast Grammar School. After entering through the gates, we crossed a bridge stretched over a lake, complete with "Beware, Turtle Crossing" signs. This set the tone for the impressive sporting facilities we encountered throughout the tour.
On court, we faced four Australian school teams and came away with four well-earned wins:
- Sunshine Coast Grammar: won 43–25
- St Matthew's Flinders: won 42–23
- St Margaret's: won 39–23
- Moreton Bay: won 36–32
Moreton Bay was our toughest match. After finding ourselves down by 13 goals, we reset, showed resilience, and fought back to win. This game in particular was a major learning moment for our team.
Each school welcomed us warmly, and after each match, we chatted with the girls about school, life, and the differences between netball in New Zealand and Australia. They asked us to say words like "fish and chips," the number six, and other phrases heard on the court like "here" and "in." These small moments, standing around after hard-fought games, swapping phrases and attempting to switch accents, made the tour feel bigger than just a sport. It reminded us that netball connects people, even from across the Tasman.
Off the Court
When we were not competing, we made the most of our time off court. Movie World was the clear favourite, and as our coaches later told our parents, it was slightly terrifying being able to identify our screams from the other side of the park while being dropped 49 storeys into the air. Shopping quickly became a full team sport. Many of us spent confidently, at least until the conversion rates hit. The real challenge came later, figuring out how to fit everything back into our suitcases.
Another standout was watching the Giants take on the Sunshine Coast Lightning in a professional match. We also enjoyed exploring Brisbane, trying Australian foods we cannot get at home, and soaking up the warm Queensland weather, which we appreciated even more after stepping off the plane into Wellington rain.
A Tour That Shaped Our Season
The Term 2 2026 Netball Tour was more than just a series of games. It was an experience that pushed us on court, took us out of our comfort zones off court, and strengthened our identity as a team. The lessons we learned will continue to shape our season long after the tour has ended. We are grateful to the College for providing this opportunity and supporting our development, both on and off the court.
Zoe
Year 12 student