THEY fell agonisingly short of state championship honours but Nelson Bay Netball Association still has much to celebrate.
Fiona McGrath’s talented U17s representative squad finished runners-up in the Division Four category at this year’s Senior State Netball Titles in Sydney.
In a major boost for the region, the Nelson Bay young guns produced lion-hearted performances to post 15 wins from their 17 fixtures and earn a top two ranking alongside neighbours and 2025 champions Port Stephens.
A highlight for Nelson Bay was the courageous 17-14 victory over Port Stephens on the opening day of the state carnival.
It was Port Stephens’ only loss of the tournament.
Nelson Bay team manager Michelle Weber told News Of The Area that the girls have shown consistent form at lead-in carnivals and were primed for a strong showing at the state titles at Campbelltown.
“They stepped up and gave the competition a big shake,” Michelle said.
“The girls are such a delightful group to watch, and [they] have built a solid understanding both on and off court and continue to improve in all facets.”
Nelson Bay also recorded wins over Casino (22-12), Coonabarabran (24-8), Marlin Coast (19-13), Singleton (15-10), Lower Clarence (21-6), Tumut (19-6), Cowra (23-4), Woolgoolga (15-7), Brunswick-Byron (30-3), Blayney (18-14), Armidale (16-10), Gunnedah (30-4), Wollondilly (19-13) and Inverell (24-6).
The team’s only two losses were to Manning Valley (13-10) and invitational side South Canberra (15-10).
Emerging midcourters Amber Redman, Charlize Fines, Tara Kenny and Abbey Hunter shone for Nelson Bay along with sharp shooters Melody Tibbs, Chelsea Johnson, Isabella Gardner and key defenders Anneliese Jones, Charli Ball and Kate Slade.
Also impressive was the Nelson Bay U15s squad coached by Taylar Wilks and stalwart Amanda Wilks, which finished third in the Division 4 series.
The team won 11 matches from their 18 fixtures to earn a top three ranking with 24 points, behind eventual champions Sapphire Coast (31 points) and Armidale District (29).
The Nelson Bay Opens team, coached by Ashlee Hall, finished 12th with six victories in the tough Division Two category, which was won by the Barellan and District Association.
By Chris KARAS
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