Three sets of sisters were on the court when Auckland beat Southland 55-41 in the national netball championships at the Edgar Centre this week.
Rachel Rasmussen (29), the captain of the Auckland team, is the elder stateswoman for her family. It is her job to look after younger sisters Grace (25) and Annie (23) on the court and during the national championships.
''I'm based in Invercargill and play for the Southern Steel and it is always good fun playing with my sisters again,'' she said. It is her 14th year in the Auckland team, the sixth for Grace and the third for Annie.
''It is always good having your family backing you up on the court,'' Annie said.
It is the first time Paula (25) and Kelly (22) Griffin have played together in the Auckland team.
''It is special to play together at this level,'' Kelly said.
''It means a lot to Mum and Dad.''
The Telfer sisters - two of whom are married - played together in the Southland team for the first time.
Wendy Frew (28), a veteran at the national championships, has played for Southland for more than 10 years.
''It is enjoyable to play with my sisters on the court. I try to get the best out of them,'' she said.
''We are very competitive and it helps them if I get a bit stern from time to time.
''Our family are very excited about it and Mum and Dad have come to Dunedin to support us.''
Alice Moeakiola (24) said it was ''awesome to play together at this level. Wendy pushes us and makes us work hard''.
Joanna Telfer (20) said it made it easier, in her first national tournament, to have her sisters on the court.
''We are pushed hard but are still able to have a few laughs on the court,'' she said.
"There have been at least three other sets of sisters playing in the tournament in Dunedin.
Sarah and Elizabeth Hayman were in the Canterbury team, and twins Abbey and Sophie Erwood were playing for the Invitation team.
The Selby-Rickit sisters were playing for different teams - Miriama for Manawatu and Te Paea for Otago.
