One of the joys of writing a weekly sports update is discovering people and sport I don't always come into contact with, following my staples of rugby and cricket.

I have made it my mission to learn more about the people and sport in the Western Bay.
The Harbourside Netball Centre at Blake Park at the Mount is a continual hive of activity at this time of year, especially late afternoon and early evening.
A catch-up with Helen Dodge, CEO of the Harbourside Netball Centre, quickly showed how big netball is in the Western Bay of Plenty.
In 1992 Tauranga Netball, which had outgrown the courts at Cliff Road, amalgamated with Mount Maunganui to form Harbourside Netball Centre. Just how successful the amalgamation has been, is shown by the present membership of around 5000 players, officials, coaches, umpires, team management and administrators.
Starting with year four primary age players, the 19 courts cater for all grades and abilities, with over 300 teams taking to the courts each week. Such is the enthusiasm Western Bay locals have for the game, the courts are used on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings.
Saturday is a day of non-stop action with junior and college players utilising the courts in daylong action. Elite netball has its turn each week at the Mount Action Centre, with 16 teams battling to be the best in the region. This week is the prelude to the final stanza in two divisions, with the semi-finals being played out at the MAC on Thursday, July 9, in the evening.
In Division One Moko, Maheatataka, Cornerstone and Arataki will battle for championship honours. In Division Two, Rangataua, Tauranga Sports Blue, Lucky Seven and Mount Sports Rimu will fight out the championship title.
The Harbourside Netball Centre's ‘No Exceptions' netball program is important, providing disabled players with enjoyment and satisfaction. Another popular program is the Fun Ferns netball programme, teaching netball skills for five to seven year olds.
While netball is the major focus, Harbourside Netball Centre also gets involved in the community, entering a working partnership with a nominated charity.
This season the local food bank will benefit from the support of all Harbourside members. However, the most important resource for Harbourside Netball Centre is its volunteers who give their time without hesitation. A volunteer recognition programme recognises their valuable contributions to the centre, but the love of the sport keeps volunteers and participants enjoying the healthy competition of netball in the Western Bay of Plenty.