The Hotel Coachman, Western Netball's preferred accommodation provider, has won the right to be the principle sponsor of Western Netball's Lois Muir Challenge Team.  The Hotel Coachman's name was plucked from a hat - literally - after they entered the Lois Muir Challenge Great Sponsor Hunt, a new initiative set up by the Regional teams competing in the tournament.

The Lois Muir Challenge is designed as a feeder competition for netball's showcase trans-Tasman competition, the LMC is proving a valuable stepping stone for players with ANZ Championship aspirations - and it's namesake could not be prouder.

Dame Lois Muir knows the future of New Zealand netball as a global force lies in it's emerging talent. She says, "I like going to the games and I like seeing the young talent coming through because they are the future... I was thrilled to lend my name to it!"

Pulse player Alanah Cassidy reaped the benefits of the LMC after representing Western in the Lois Muir Chalenge last year and having her efforts rewarded with an ANZ contract in 2010.  Plus Western LMC players Lauren Burgess, Sheridan Bignall and Jodi Beaumont have been selected as training partners for the Haier Pulse.

With so much talent from the region taking part in the tournament the Hotel Coachman are thrilled to be involved. The Hotel Coachman is Palmerston North's only 4 Star Plus Qualmark boutique hotel and conference destination and they are loyal supporters of netball at all levels.  This opportunity means they take this loyalty to another level.

The Lois Muir Challenge starts this weekend with the first rounds for all teams being played in Auckland.  Western then travel to Wellington on April 10th for games versus Cook Strait and Canterbury.

Netball supporters within the Western Region have much to look forward to as the Hotel Coachman finals weekend of the Lois Muir Challenge will be held in Palmerston North from April 17-18 this year.  It will be a feast of netball with 10 of the country's top regional teams competing over 14 games. Tickets are available through www.ticketdirect.co.nz.

The Hotel Coachman Western Lois Muir Challenge consists of