A busy season, filled with the highs and lows of the glorious game, has seen a significant amount of the Nelson Nyxons squad reach higher honours.
With season goals of building depth, developing players and giving opportunities, the team feels like they have succeeded after eight members were selected to represent either their region, their country, or both.
Selections to New Zealand A for Claudia Green, to the Hinds for Claudia as well as Kate and Anna Gaging, as well as selections Central Districts A, Central Districts age group teams and a Central Districts age group coach appointment, saw the team continue to grow as a squad and as individuals.
It was a busy season for the Nyxons, starting back in November with a home game at Saxton Oval against Marlborough and a win.
Then it was into the Mike Shrimpton Trophy round, which is part of a Central Districts competition, which saw the team honoured to play on some prestigious grounds around the country, like Elizabeth Park and Rathkeale School in Masterton and Pukekura Park in New Plymouth.
Starting with home games against Wairarapa in early December, followed by travel in mid-January to play Hawkes Bay in Masterton, then New Plymouth to play Taranaki.
The team finished their Mike Shrimpton Trophy campaign in Nelson in late January with two final games against Manawatu having been unable to get a win despite putting themselves in with a good chance numerous times.
Due to senior players selections to play for Hinds Central Districts team, the squad were able to give new and upcoming players the opportunity and experiences to play at the representative level in the Nyxons team.
Nyxons coach Jay Irving says the young team made the most of the opportunity.
“They proved selection worthy by performing on and off the field as valuable team members, being proud to represent their province and contributing to the already positive team culture.”
He also wanted to give thanks to team manager Lauren Hutton, who he says was invaluable throughout the season ensuring the logistics and behind the scenes running of the team was flawless
The team’s final game was played in March against Marlborough in Blenheim for the Hiwa-I-Te-Rangi Trophy. This game finished our season on a high taking out the win with a team that included five debutante players.
Whilst the overall results reflect some tough games, they feel exceptionally proud as they look back on all that has been achieved throughout the 2023/24 season as a team and a province
