The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel netball team is hopeful its preseason games can continue despite the new Covid-19 red setting.

Steel chief executive Lana Winders said the franchise’s management team had closely reviewed the requirements of the Government’s Covid-19 red light setting before deciding to proceed with planned fixtures against the Trident Homes Tactix in Queenstown on 14 February and the Te Wananga o Raukawa Pulse in Dunedin on 17 February. 

“It does add new challenges from a logistical perspective but we are confident we can successfully host these important preseason games safely within the guidelines set,” she said.

“We will be reviewing this as the landscape continues to change. Our venues have been fantastic to work with and everyone is focused on doing what we can to make it happen.”

Spectator numbers would be restricted to 100 people. 

“We had to close ticket sales pretty quickly as they were selling fast.”

New Zealand’s switch to the red light setting earlier this week has thrown numerous events around the country into disarray.

For Steel head coach Reinga Bloxham both outings were a vital component of the team’s preparation for the ANZ Premiership which starts in March.

“Regardless of the intensity we inject to our training, there really is no substitute for actual game time. Only then can you really get a true gauge on the progress being made as a result of all the hard work which has gone in so far,” she said.

“I’m really looking at what each player brings to our team and how they can contribute to our overall Steel style. Combinations and connections are always key aspects.”

Off the court, the Steel players will be immersed in the Fiordland community this weekend, hosting a variety of free activities for locals. 

From 4pm today, players will be at the Fiordland Community Events Centre for fun netball skills, drills and games. At 6.30pm, The Amazing Race begins where teams led by the Steel players will race to conquer challenges in the town.

The team returns to the Fiordland Community Events Centre on Saturday from 9.30am to 11.30am.