The games’ motto was “Fit, fun and forever young” and the athletes were able to compete at world-class sporting venues, many of which hosted the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Janine and Lyn played wing attack and centre respectively in their team, Manning Magic.

Both of the women are past Australian Masters gold medal winners.

Unable to field the same side for this event due to injury, illness and competing responsibilities, they joined with five other Manning women, along with two from Sydney, to play in the over 50s B-grade.

A total of eight games were played over seven days in a gruelling but enjoyable competition.

A highlight of the games was winning a competition to be coached for a day by the New South Wales Swifts coach Julie Fitzgerald.

Julie was generous in her praise for the team, which she called unconventional due to the fact that none of the members play together regularly, unlike the other sides in the competition which play and train together each week.

Julie inspired the players and they came close to defeating a favoured Sydney side.

Manning Magic led for a short while in the first half and was down by only two goals at halftime.

They eventually conceded to a seven-goal loss.

They played this game without a substitute due to injury and were all exhausted when the final whistle blew.

Another highlight for Manning Magic was being chosen to lead the netball contingency in the parade into the ANZ Stadium at Olympic Park for the opening ceremony.

There were about 1200 netballers and a total of 28,000 athletes.

This was a great honour and one that will be cherished.

The closing ceremony was held in Darling Harbour and was equally fantastic and memorable.

A sensational party that night wrapped up the games in true Aussie style.

Although not eventual medal contenders, Manning Magic performed extremely well against very strong competition including previous world gold, silver and bronze winners.

Lyn and Janine had a great week, played some superb netball, enjoyed some fantastic social events and made some new friends.

Both are keen to consider their next challenge, possibly the Pan Pacific Games on the Gold Coast next November.

The masters are held every four years with countries bidding to hold the event.