The first game between the New Zealand Deaf and Australia Deaf Netball in Palmerston North (1998) kicks-off with each team of players signing their national anthem. Australia wins the first test 41-21, and the New Zealand team aims to do better in the second test in Auckland the following week, having had only the chance to get together to train the month prior to. After the first test, both teams and the Deaf community gather at the Manawatu Deaf Society clubrooms for dinner, socialising and some games, including a spirited round of limbo dancing!
New Zealand Deaf Netball team: Esther Tavui (Coach), Suzanne Hanson (Team Manager), Lisa Alexander, Teresa Babich, Caroline Gould, Elizabeth Hurley, Debra Jamieson, Susan Jamieson, Susie Ovens, Angeline Perez, Sara Pivac, Sonia Pivac, Annette Scott, Susan Thomas
Australian Deaf Netball team: Kay Watkins (Coach), Melissa Anderson (Team Manager), Sandra Kopetzky (Sports Trainer), Julia Allen (Scorer), Anne Bajraszewski, Karly Ball, Nicole Beath, Melinda Clarkson, Melissa Connor, Kellie Gobby, Amanda Hilton, Rebecca Hines, Lorraine Mulley, Vinnie Pezzimenti, Jenelle Sweetman
Note: Full footage of netball game available upon request.