The St Dunstan’s College netball first team welcomed their guests with a neatly choreographed dance accompanied by the sounds of the 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem, ‘This time for Africa’ on court four before the start of the programme this morning (April 17).

Perhaps the choice of song was intentional from the team’s hierarchy to send a statement to anyone thinking they can come to their backyard and leave with the bragging rights.

So, could this be St Dunstan’s time?

Maybe this is a question those who cautiously watched the rendition asked themselves. But it was clear from the onset. St Dunstan’s secret lay not on the soothing sound of the music or their dance moves, but in the message.

After their near miss at last year’s festival, where they claimed third place, the girls believe that this is their time. If that wasn’t clear during their mini opening ceremony, nothing could have crystallised it more than their dominant 36-14 pummelling of St Peter’s College in their opening fixture.

They put foot to pedal from the whistle and never really looked like they will let go, except for deep in the last quarter when St Peter’s advanced forward but time evaporated and they lost the contest.

Led by their influential captain and head girl, Denley McCulloch, they led 7-2 in the first quarter, with goal-shooter Taylor Pearson shooting them to the front to give them momentum.
The playmaker, McCulloch, dictated matters from the centre, controlling the tempo of the game and effectively linking up the attack and defence.

Pearson, meanwhile, was prominent in the scoring on court one as she helped St Dunstan’s establish an unassailable lead at mid-point. The left-hander was accurate and whenever the ball reached her hands, the heavens opened up for her. She was on song as her school led 29-10 after the third quarter.

St Peter’s late charge didn’t matter to the hosts as they kept the scoreboard ticking, adding seven more points in the last quarter to eventually win 36-14.

While it wasn’t as clinical as they would have expected, it was a statement that this is their time and they will do whatever it takes to defend their school on the court.

The games continue throughout the day on all four courts.