Taini Jamison Trophy: the decider

 It all comes down to this. Tonight at Claudelands Arena, Hamilton, we will crown the winner of the Taini Jamison Trophy.

Will it be the Silver Ferns or will the England Roses notch up their first series win against New Zealand?

Either way, a packed Claudelands Arena will be witness to an epic contest if the previous two Tests are any indication.

On the line – the Taini Jamison Trophy.

Wednesday night will be a special night for the trophy’s namesake. Not only will we crown the winner and recognise the outstanding international career of centurion and former captain Casey Kopua – but we’ll also honour the 1967 NWC Gold Medal-winning Silver Ferns*. A team coached by Taini Jamison and featuring many of the pioneers of Netball in New Zealand.

Taini Jamison is one of the most successful Silver Ferns coaches in history with a 90 per cent winning record. As coach of New Zealand from 1967-1971, Taini was the first woman to coach a New Zealand team to victory in a Netball World Cup (1967). 

The Taini Jamison Trophy was introduced in 2008 and is contested when any netballing nation – other than Australia – plays the Silver Ferns on New Zealand soil.

Many of world Netball’s top nations have played for the iconic Trophy, including England, South Africa, Malawi, Fiji and Samoa – a fitting acknowledgement for someone whose name is etched in New Zealand Netball folklore.

“To have the Trophy named in my honour is really something that I’m very proud of,” Taini Jamison said.

“To be able to present the trophy is another honour that I keep close to my heart and I hope I’ll be able to do it for a few more years yet!”

The Trophy itself is quite spectacular and features a mango pare (hammerhead shark) pattern around the top and base signifying strength, tenacity, perseverance, stealth, keen senses and cunning – all the assets of a champion team. 

Taini Jamison’s Rotorua Netball Maori motif is front and centre, honouring an exceptional Netball personality and the perfect example of someone who gives back to the sport she loves.

When the final whistle blows on Wednesday night in Hamilton, there to greet the teams and present the trophy will be the woman herself, Taini Jamison.

Can’t make it to the game? Fans can catch all the action LIVE on SKY Sport and Radio Sport from 7.30pm and on delay on Prime from 10.35pm (check local guides).

 

*Proudly supported by First Sovereign Trust