It was a weekend to reminisce and cherish a slice of New Zealand netball history as the 1987 world champion Silver Ferns gathered for a reunion in Dunedin.
Coach Dame Lois Muir was overwhelmed by the occasion, saying it was "surreal” to have all her players, umpire Dawn Jones and physio Marg Harp together again.
"It’s just the friendships and I’ve had a marvellous life following their careers," Muir said.
"They’re strong women, but they were dedicated.
"For me, you know, a coach never discovers a player, they only help the player discover themselves and if I did that, I’m happy."
The team had a remarkable run to the finals.
No team got within 10 goals of the Silver Ferns — a feat Muir believes may never happen again — held Australia to just three goals in one quarter, and set the benchmark the whole tournament, played on outside courts in Glasgow.
They shared those memories with fans and friends at a morning tea, hosted by
Dunedin Netball, at the Southern rugby club rooms on Saturday.
There were laughs — including Julie Townsend wearing the team tracksuit from 1987 — and tears as they remembered the late Margaret Forsyth and manager Monica Leggat.
Many were also overcome with emotion as the talked about the profound impact Muir had on them as players, and as people as well.
It was a testament to her that so many of them are still being involved in the sport today, and for captain Leigh Gibbs, that was "better than any World Cup".
Waimarama Taumaunu spoke about how the players remaining from the 1983 team, who fell short at the world championships, felt they let Muir down and were determined to make it up their coach.
"For me, that’s why this team is so special, particularly those who were there in ’83," Taumaunu said.
"It was about acknowledging [Muir’s] leadership, and ... strengths as a coach, and making sure the world knew that, because finishing second wasn’t good enough.
"My best friends are here because of that team — I’m just proud, and lucky, and glad I was a part of it."
There was another reason to celebrate too.
Sandra Edge celebrated her 61st birthday on Saturday, blowing out her candles on a cake from Dunedin Netball.
