On the 1948 tour, Australia introduced a new tactic – the one-handed pass. The local media was dubious, implying that the Australians’ Amazon-like passes would lead to lopsided breasts!
Mary White centre front row, Dawn White (nee Munro) far right top row.
Mary White, born more than 100 years ago, was Australia’s second Test captain but was the first captain to skipper the Diamonds on an overseas tour – to NZ in 1948.
It is a proud accomplishment for a South Australian.
Australia dominated NZ 3-0. The hosts held friendly receptions wherever the Australians went, with Mary White giving repeated thank you speeches.
She held a certain reserve, but her unflappable poise, wisdom and warmth were central to her leadership of the national team. She was also a powerful presence on court.
Intriguingly both 7-a-side and 9-a-side practice games were played against NZ’s local teams. Players wore numbers on their tunics rather than positional bibs. The touring manageress stitched the numbers onto the players’ tunics.
On that tour, Australia introduced a new tactic – the one-handed pass.
The local media was dubious, implying that the Australians’ Amazon-like passes would lead to lopsided breasts!
Mary White was Cap No. 9 of the Diamonds’ history of capped players. They played in restricted clothing – with uniforms consisting of an almost-knee-length, box-pleated dress, worn with a white and stiff-collared shirts.
Some teams wore a tie as well.
White was a tall-for-the-time defender and played club netball for Garville. She is one of 20 players from the Garville Netball Club who have represented Australia.
She was appointed a life member of Netball SA in 1952 honouring her for the multiple ways in which she served the sport as a State player, coach and as a respected umpire.
