National Netball Championships Scheduled for Hobart Cancelled

This year’s National Netball Championships scheduled for the 18th to the 23rd of April have been cancelled. Unfortunately since the declaration of the Pandemic Covid-19 Virus this was always likely to be the case.

But the future looks bright. Right now the Nellakir team are preparing the Stump Systems for six new Netball Courts at Netball Victoria’s Headquarters at Royal Park in Victoria. This is a massive expansion of the existing competition level courts at the facility.

The Nellakir team are also commencing works on the Sirius College Court in Keysborough as well as the Twin Rivers Primary School in Echuca, both next week.

Sirius College, Keysborough

Twin Rivers Primary School, Echuca

Here is the Statement from the CEO of Netball Australia re the National Championships in Hobart and their cancellation.

2020 National Netball Championships Cancelled

Based on the expert medical advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, endorsed by Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, that organised public gatherings of more than 500 people be cancelled to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in Australia, Netball Australia will not proceed with the annual 17&U and 19&U National Netball Championships due to take place in Hobart from 18-23 April.

Given the nature of the event, and after extensive consultation with medical experts and relevant stakeholders, Netball Australia made the decision not to proceed with the tournament, which would bring together teams from all states and territories.

Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner said the health of the Australian netball and wider community is paramount and that Netball Australia continues to work closely with state and territory Member Organisations in relation to community and grassroots netball.

“It was an incredibly difficult decision not to proceed with the National Netball Championships, especially knowing how much preparation by the athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers goes into this event. It is however prudent that we do everything we can to reduce the spread of the virus,” she said.

“In relation to community netball, we are working with Member Organisations, government organisations and medical professionals to determine the best approach and we will release guidelines to support community netball organisations across Australia in the coming days. Until then we encourage all community netball organisations to demonstrate caution in line with government recommendations that everyone should practise good hygiene to protect against infections.”

Netball Australia will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation as it evolves in relation to the upcoming Deakin University Australian Netball League season, due to start on Saturday 2 May.

Netball Australia has confirmed that the cancellation of the National Netball Championships does not mean that all netball events and competitions should be cancelled, however, caution in line with government recommendations should be exercised.

Source: netball.com.au

So whilst players take an enforced break, the Nellakir team will prepare the new facilities mentioned as well as over the Easter break and first term holidays Nellakir will undertake a number of annual maintenance programs – resurfacing and re-lining. All in all it should provide for a great resurgence and renewal once things return to normal.

Call Nellakir now to book a free, no-obligation consultation on the Maintenance, Cleaning or Restoration of your valuable Timber Sports Flooring. Call 03 9467 6126 or leave your details here for a prompt reply.

Nellakir also offer a regular cyclical and scheduled Court Cleaning service to ensure your stadium and its surface is always presented in premium condition.

Nellakir – The Sports Flooring for Champions.

Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.

NBA – Suspended

Coronavirus live updates: NBA suspends season after Utah Jazz player tests positive for COVID-19

The coronavirus is causing sports cancellations and postponements all across the world

The rapid spread of the coronavirus is causing cancellations and postponements of sporting events around the globe. As of Tuesday afternoon, there have been at least 116,000 coronavirus cases worldwide, according to CBS News. While 64,000 people have recovered, more than 4,000 have died. In America, multiple states are under a state of emergency and some politicians and public health officials are recommending large gatherings of people — including sporting events — in coronavirus hotspots be canceled or closed to the public.

As college basketball’s postseason, MLB Opening Day and the NBA and NHL stretch runs approach, the coronavirus is set to have a serious effect on American sports. Abroad, soccer games in Europe are already being played in empty arenas without fans in certain countries.

NBA

The NBA has suspended the 2019-20 season after a Utah Jazz player, reportedly Rudy Gobert, tested positive for COVID-19. Games in progress on the night of March 11 will be completed.

The league postpone Wednesday’s game between the Thunder and the Jazz. Players and officials were told to walk off the floor while awaiting a decision from the league, and then the announcement was made to a jeering Oklahoma City crowd. Prior to the game on Wednesday, the team announced that Gobert and Emmanuel Mudiay were both out for the game due to an illness.

The Warriors announced the team would play home games without fans in attendance, in accordance with the San Francisco Health Office’s order prohibiting groups of 1,000 people at events.

The league has advised the players on how to avoid the potential spread of the coronavirus while playing a contact-friendly sport. Among the suggestions was for players to avoid the postgame handshake and instead stick with fist bumps.

The NBA announced on Monday it was limiting locker room access over coronavirus concerns.

Source: cbssports.com

So it appears that here in Australia, many sporting codes will be forced to follow suit and modify local competitions to slow the spread of the Coronavirus.

Let’s hope that the pandemic passes quickly without causing too much angst and damage. Nellakir encourages all participants in Basketball, Netball and other indoor sports activities to take precautions and maintain hygiene.

Nellakir are the leading experts in Timber Sports Flooring in Victoria and Tasmania. They are the exclusive agents for ASF/Horner Sports Flooring systems. As well as installation, Nellakir are expert providers of annual and cyclical maintenance such as resurfacing, re-lining and as required re-sanding. Nellakir provide a fully scheduled Court Cleaning Service to keep your Timber Sports Flooring in premium condition, week in week out, over the entire year.

Call 03 9467 6126 for a free, no-obligation consultation on your Timber Flooring requirements or leave your details here for a prompt reply

Nellakir – Premium Timber Sports Flooring for present and future Champions.

Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.

Nellakir and Netball

Nellakir is proud to be involved with the construction and installation of the new indoor courts at the Victorian Netball & Hockey Centre in Royal Park.

Here is the press release from Netball Victoria:

Redeveloped State Netball & Hockey Centre

A key netball facility development project – many years in the making – is now underway, with the State Netball Hockey Centre (SNHC) in Parkville currently under construction.The Andrews Government announced funding of $64.6 million for the redevelopment and expansion of the SNHC.

The huge support of the entire Victorian netball community has also been key to ensuring the project’s progress.

The SNHC is a vital headquarters for netball, hosting more than 5000 participants each week for training, competition and events. Netball has been a tenant of the facility in Royal Park for nearly 80 years.

Please read this safety message now that works have commenced.

Our New Home

The redeveloped centre is due to open in March 2021 and will include:

• 11 indoor netball courts
• New major event and spectator facilities
• Capacity to provide an expanded range of competitions, programs, coaching clinics, tournaments and camps for participants from throughout Victoria
• High Performance facilities to support elite and pathway teams, national teams and visiting international teams
• Administrative headquarters for Netball Victoria and Hockey Victoria
• The Victorian Women in Sport Leadership Centre, nurturing transformational leaders
• Occasional care facilities
• Universal Design Principles to ensure equitable access for all

Source: vic.netball.com.au/snhc

Netball is Australia’s most popular womens sport catering for competitions ranging from Junior through to Senior with an Australia-wide premium competition that has been featured on Free to Air Television – Netball Australia’s 8 team National Competition.

Nellakir have been involved with the construction of most premium competition courts in the Greater Melbourne area and the nearby Regional Cities. The Nellakir team constructed the current Victorian Netball Centre main courts. These are constructed in premium sprung timber sports flooring and can be viewed on our website here. Nellakir are now engaged with the construction and installation of the new courts at the facility.

As well the company is actively involved in cyclical maintenance of a large number of courts both in Greater Melbourne and regional Victoria currently used for premium competitive Netball.

At Nellakir we believe in fostering the sport of Netball as a healthy, regular team sport. The Victorian State Government PPP program is now ensuring that kids have a genuine opportunity to play and participate in most parts of Melbourne and rural Victoria. The PPP (Public Private Partnership) program is ensuring that Netball Courts are incorporated in the majority of new schools built and also with school upgrades.

Netball is a skilful game. It requires quick thinking and action with good hand to eye coordination. It is fast becoming a recognised international sport.

It is more than interesting seeing the sport regain a foothold in the USA. This is where it started many years ago, as a genteel version of Basketball for ‘proper young ladies’. However since those days the game has evolved dramatically and it is now a fast paced, incredibly skilful game with major differences to Basketball. This includes court position, no dribbling the ball, no contact and the three second rule that requires ball disposal within a three second period. It’s a wonderful team sport that encourages the development of physical, mental and social skill sets.

For anyone looking to encourage their children to play sport and exercise, Netball is an excellent choice.

And remember in junior grades boys can play too! So step to it. Netball is the buzz. Enrol your children for real fun and fitness now. And you never know – if they’re playing indoors on a sprung timber sports floor – it’s probably a Nellakir floor!

Call now to arrange a consultation with Nellakir on construction, installation and maintenance of your Timber Sports Flooring and Indoor Stadium requirements. Call 03 9467 6126 and book a free no obligation appointment to discuss your requirements. Nellakir now offer an excellent cyclical court cleaning program that ensures your Competition Courts provide the very best surface for all competitors, young and old.

Nellakir – The Sports Flooring for Champions.

Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.

Australia Day – Green vs Gold

Well it’s the Australia Day public holiday on Monday 27th but right now here’s a bit of a treat for our viewers, followers and friends. It’s the Green (Boston Celtics) vs the Gold (LA Lakers) and for some it’s a surprise result with the Lakers going down to the Celtics 107 to 139. (Green and Gold, so Aussie!)

Here are the full game highlights. Kick back and enjoy. The Celtics – with party tricks.

When it comes to the highest levels of competition here in Australia, chances are you are playing on Nellakir Timber Sports Flooring if you’re in Victoria.

Today, with an increasing number of listed Australians playing on NBA extended lists, with the number growing each year, the opportunities for fresh talent to make their way to the premium competition of the NBA are increasing.

Playing on the very best possible surfaces continues to make this opportunity realistic. All Nellakir surfaces are FIBA approved, utilising ASF/Horner patented timber flooring systems.

Ensure your stadium’s playing surface is always maintained professionally for premium performance. Call Nellakir now to book a free, no-obligation consultation on regular annual maintenance and scheduled professional court cleaning.

Call 03 9467 6126 and arrange a time suitable for your requirements to meet with our experienced court technicians. Or simply leave your details here for a prompt reply.

And remember, Nellakir install and maintain Netball Timber Flooring, Multi-use Gymnasium Flooring, Dance Flooring and even Church Flooring.

For expert service and reliable, professional installation of all Sports Flooring, call Nellakir now on 03 9467 6126.

Nellakir – The Premium Sports Flooring choice for Champions.

Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.

The 2019 – 2020 NBA Season Rankings as they stand.

Basketball fans world-wide follow the NBA with great interest and intensity. It’s the sports premium competition. Just as the premium playing surface here in Victoria is FIBA approved ASF/Horner Timber Sports Flooring supplied and maintained by Nellakir – the experts in the construction, maintenance and scheduled cleaning of all premium Timber Sports Flooring in Victoria and Tasmania.

The current NBA rankings are as follows (Courtesy of Jason Guilbault and reprinted from Lineup.com)

2020 NBA Power Rankings (Updated 12.13.2019)

1. Los Angeles Lakers

2019-2020 Record 22-3 Previous Rank: 2

Winning nine of their last ten games, and with the big names clicking, the Lakers come in red hot. Anthony Davis and LeBron James are playing like an MVP duo, and that rusty start to the season is nowhere to be found.

2. Milwaukee Bucks

2019-2020 Record: 22-3 Previous Rank: 3

The Bucks have rattled off 16 straight wins at the moment, and are putting up over 120 points per game. Giannis Antetokounmpo has taken his game to another level, and the secondary pieces are all playing well.

3. LA Clippers

2019-2020 Record 19-7 Previous Rank: 5

You could say this Los Angeles team has had a harder time gelling with new names, but now 8-2 in their last ten games, and everyone healthy again, the Clippers have been showing why they are such a tough team to beat.

4. Miami Heat

2019-2020 Record 18-6 Previous Rank: 6

Miami is just seemingly playing under the radar as they have the third best winning percentage in the league right now. Jimmy Butler has been playing excellent basketball, but once again Erik Spolstra has been doing a lot with younger or lesser names.

5. Philadelphia 76ers

2019-2020 Record 19-7 Previous Rank: 10

Philadelphia has struggled on the road this season going 6-7, but they have dominated at home. Defensively they have been excellent, but offense has hit a wall at times. This was expected to be an early season struggle at times, and hopefully it is just that.

6. Toronto Raptors

2019-2020 Record: 16-8 Previous Rank: 8

Toronto has hit some tougher teams in their schedule, and we have seen them showcase where they are exactly at in this league. They are a top ten team for sure, but are closer to ten than they are to one.

7. Houston Rockets

2019-2020 Record: 16-8 Previous Rank: 9

Houston is a tough team to rank right now, as they have been a bit inconsistent to start the season. James Harden is scoring at will, but overall this team doesn’t seem to have quite the same appeal as the last year or two.

8. Dallas Mavericks

2019-2020 Record 17-7 Previous Rank: 12

Dallas is certainly here. They are scoring 118 points per game with Luka Doncic leading the way, and we have yet to see Kristaps Porzingis really click. The Mavericks are 8-2 in their last ten games and have put themselves as one of the better teams in basketball.

9. Indiana Pacers

2019-2020 Record 16-9 Previous Rank: 14

Indiana is 7-3 in their last ten games, and Malcolm Brogdon has strong competition for most improved but we can see what he brings to the Pacers. Domantas Sabonis has also been playing tremendous basketball.
Boston Celtics10. Boston Celtics

10. Boston Celtics

2019-2020 Record 17-7 Previous Rank: 1

It has been a few weeks since I last updated, so you can see a steeper drop here for Boston. They have failed to beat some of the more notable teams of late, and the offense and rebounding still seem iffy.

11. Denver Nuggets

2019-2020 Record 15-8 Previous Rank: 4

A team that was expected to be contenders in the west has not looked to be that just yet. Returning the same core, this is a bit confusing, even with a tougher conference. Defensively they have played well, but the offense comes and goes, and the same goes with Nikola Jokic.

12. Utah Jazz

2019-2020 Record 14-11 Previous Rank: 7

Utah has been a bit disappointing so far this season, but there is still a long way to go. They have slipped of late going 4-6 in their last ten games, as they have really struggled on the road.

13. Brooklyn Nets

2019-2020 Record 13-11 Previous Rank: 17

Brooklyn has gone 9-4 without Kyrie Irving this season, and are a few games over .500 now on the year. This has been a weird season for Brooklyn, and Irving’s return is going to cause more talking points if they slip once he returns.

14. Phoenix Suns

2019-2020 Record 11-13 Previous Rank: 11

We knew Phoenix wasn’t going to keep it up, but this team is already drastically improved upon last year. Deandre Ayton is going to return from suspension fairly soon, which will help.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder

2019-2020 Record 11-13 Previous Rank: 18

Oklahoma City has relied upon their strong defense so far this season, and while they are not going anywhere this season, they have been very competitive and not an easy win for the rest of the league.

16. Orlando Magic

2019-2020 Record 11-13 Previous Rank: 20

This is looking a lot like last year’s Orlando team where they are struggling to score, but the defense has been able to keep them in games. They are allowing the fewest points per game this season, but are also scoring the fewest.

17. Sacramento Kings

2019-2020 Record 11-13 Previous Rank: 24

It was a slow start to the season, but the Sacramento Kings have picked up their play. It was going to be tough building upon last season, but the Kings flirting with a .500 record the rest of the way wouldn’t be the worst outcome.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves

2019-2020 Record 10-14 Previous Rank: 13

Currently on a six game losing streak, and 2-8 in the last ten games, Minnesota’s fast start to the season quickly came to a close. Defensively this team continues to be one of the worst in the league.

19. Charlotte Hornets

2019-2020 Record 11-16 Previous Rank: 23

I don’t think anybody expected Charlotte to be this competitive. It comes with Devonte Graham who has blossomed into a machine in the Hornets backcourt. While they still have below average talent around him, the Hornets are not a team to take lightly.

20. Detroit Pistons

2019-2020 Record 10-15 Previous Rank: 21

Detroit continues to play middling basketball, and are 5-5 in the last ten games. Blake Griffin has not looked like himself since returning, and the injury might still be looming.

21. Portland Trail Blazers

2019-2020 Record 10-16 Previous Rank: 16

The Trail Blazers have been one of the more disappointing teams in the league this season, which is surprising after being one of the more consistent teams in the league. However, this might be the year they look to move pieces around Lillard.

22. San Antonio Spurs

2019-2020 Record 9-15 Previous Rank: 15

San Antonio is allowing 115 points per game, which is uncharacteristic for them. DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge are not a duo that will contend, and the Spurs have to know that.

23. Chicago Bulls

2019-2020 Record 9-17 Previous Rank: 27

Chicago is on their way to at least surpassing last year’s win total, but they remain one of the poorer teams in the league. Zach LaVine leads a stagnant offense, and we haven’t seen bigger steps from the young guy.

24. Memphis Grizzlies

2019-2020 Record 8-16 Previous Rank: 25

Memphis has a young core that is fun to watch, and they are pushing the pace more than any other season prior. The wins won’t come, but at least Memphis is a team we get excited to watch.

25. Washington Wizards

2019-2020 Record 7-16 Previous Rank: 29

The Wizards have a young team of names they are looking to see if they fit in the future. It won’t be a pretty record, but this Wizards team can put up points in bunches, unfortunately they are allowing over 120 per game.

26. Atlanta Hawks

2019-2020 Record 6-19 Previous Rank: 19

Atlanta continues to spiral out of control, which is a bummer after I believed they could be a team to push the playoff picture given the talented young squad. That prediction looks to be a year away.

27. New Orleans Pelicans

2019-2020 Record 6-19 Previous Rank: 26

There were higher expectations than what they likely should have had. New Orleans has now lost ten straight games, and continue to allow teams to run right through them offensively.

28. Cleveland Cavaliers

2019-2020 Record 6-19 Previous Rank: 22

Cleveland has listed about everyone for a possible trade as they are 6-19 and heading back down in the standings to where they were last season. This team will get worse once Kevin Love is traded.

29. Golden State Warriors

2019-2020 Record: 5-21 Previous Rank: 30

Golden State is just flat out taking a year off after being the best team in the league over the last five years. With the lineups they are rolling out due to injuries, it is no surprise.

30. New York Knicks

2019-2020 Record 5-20 Previous Rank: 28

The Knicks are the Knicks. They continue to be ran in a horrendous fashion. Dave Fizdale has now been fired, and this is not a job I would want moving forward.

Source: lineups.com

For a complete court maintenance and cleaning program, please call 03 9467 6126. Book in a free consultation from one of our expert technicians and start the new decade in 2020 on the right foot. For premium performance on all Timber Sports Flooring, always rely on Nellakir, the sports flooring experts. Leave your details here for a prompt reply.

Nellakir – Timber Sports Flooring for Champions.

Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.

It’s Summer and it’s time for Annual Court Maintenance with Nellakir.

With the School holidays upon us soon and local competitions going into recess for the summer holiday break, Nellakir actually picks up the pace. It’s that time of year where many facilities with Sprung Timber Sports Flooring undertake annual maintenance – re-sanding, linemarking and re-coating.

But before we commence on maintenance – check out these new projects we are contracted for. A regional project has been confirmed for the Twin Rivers Primary School, Echuca’s newest school. As Stage 2 of the project gets underway, Nellakir are pleased to announce the construction of a new multipurpose Court and Gymnasium with premium Timber Sports Flooring by ASF/Horner to be installed.

Twin Rivers Primary School, Echuca

As well the Nellakir team have also been given the go ahead on replacing the flooring on the double court facility at the Warracknabeal Sports and Leisure Centre, in regional Victoria.

Warracknabeal Sports and Leisure Centre

Then the real fun starts with Re-coats, Linemarking and annual cyclical maintenance occurring throughout Victoria.

In Gippsland, Nellakir will be doing re-coats and associated works through December and January at Traralgon, Warragul, Foster, Korumburra, Wonthaggi and Sale.

Traralgon Sports Stadium

In Bairnsdale at the Sports and Leisure Stadium, a major maintenance project on 4 courts which includes re-sanding, re-coating and new linemarking will be undertaken.

Elsewhere in Victoria, court annual maintenance will be occurring at Ballarat, Terang, Kyobram, Hamilton and Mansfield.

It makes sense to call in Victoria’s leading experts in the Maintenance and Construction of Timber Flooring to ensure your facility has an absolutely premium playing surface for next year. For a free, no-obligation consultation and quotation, please call Nellakir on 03 9467 6126 or leave your details here for a prompt response to your enquiry [LINK]

Myrtleford Stadium

Always select Nellakir for construction, replacement, maintenance and scheduled professional cleaning of all Timber Sports Flooring – it’s simply the right decision.

Nellakir – Sports Flooring for Champions.

Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.

The NBA hots up – Cavs vs 76’s

This week we saw one of the season’s closest games – the exciting match up between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Philadelphia 76’s Aussie Ben Simmons starred in the 76’s 1 point win 98-97. Here’s the video and a full report.

Two for one: Cavs come up just short in 98-97 loss to 76ers

This wasn’t bad at all.

The Cavs lost to the 76ers Tuesday night by a final score of 98-97 in a game where the team led by as many as five in the final three minutes. At the end, Kevin Love had an open three on Cleveland’s last shot, but it was too strong and that was that. Sometimes it really is a make or miss league. Also not helping: the Cavs’ offense not scoring for the final three minutes-plus.

That said, this was not all bad. This was, frankly, a largely encouraging performance from the Cavs against a legit NBA Finals contender. Let’s get into it.

POSITIVE: Tristan Thompson crushed it again

Philadelphia is a tough matchup for Thompson. Joel Embiid has a size advantage and there’s only so much he can really do to slow Embiid down. And with Embiid guarding him, there’s reason to think he’ll struggle a bit on offense, particularly when crashing the offensive glass.

But Thompson was again excellent on Tuesday. Embiid got his 27 points, but Thompson made him earn it for the most part. On offense, Thompson co-led the team with 20 points, grabbed 12 rebounds (four offensive) and shot 7-13 from the field. He also made two three-pointers and again showed why he’s still a good, dependable player for the Cavs. Through 10 games, he’s been this team’s MVP.

NEGATIVE: The last three minutes

The Cavs’ last play of the game was actually a good design. After an inbounds pass, Jordan Clarkson (who was also good and had 20 points) ran a little pick-and-pop with Kevin Love. Love then pump faked, got his three and missed. It was a good set and coach John Beilein has to be at least happy with the process.

Before that, though, things got really rough for the Cavs’ offense. The team didn’t score for the final three minutes at a time when a few key baskets might have put the 76ers away. Miscues included Love missing from four-feet out, a shot clock violation, a Collin Sexton turnover and an unnecessary Thompson three-pointer.

The whole time the game was on the line, the Cavs played frenzied. Considering the youth on the team, that makes sense. Time will tell how many more lessons they need in navigating some choppy waters.

POSITIVE: Darius Garland makes some plays even when he struggles

This was not a banner game for Garland. Stylistically, the 76ers’ size was hard for him to deal with and he finished with 6 points on 3-10 shooting in 28 minutes. He did also have 2 assists — against zero turnovers — and three steals.

Everything about Garland was super impressive when he was up against Matisse Thybulle, perhaps the best defensive rookie in the NBA. And when he knows Embiid is coming to contest his shot, he goes soft with the finish off the glass. That’s a player who has a clear feel for the game, even on a night where he struggles. That’s a good sign for Garland and the Cavs.

Source: fearthesword.com

When preparing for a major game or tournament, call Nellakir to ensure you present a premium surface. Nellakir are the leading experts in the construction, maintenance and scheduled cleaning of all Timber Sports Flooring. Utilising the FIBA approved ASF/Horner Sports Flooring Systems exclusive to Nellakir in Victoria and Tasmania, Nellakir provide championship surfaces in Sprung Timber Flooring at all levels of competition.

Call now on 03 9467 6126 or leave your details here for a prompt response to your enquiry.

Nellakir – The Timber Sports Flooring for Champions.

Nellakir helps young athletes reach their goals by providing the highest quality Sprung Timber Sports Floor playing surfaces.