NELSON Bay’s new wave of representative netballers have reason to smile after spirited performances at the recent Netball NSW Junior State titles in Sydney.
The association can stand tall and proud after both the 13 years and 14 years Girls squads finished with creditable top six rankings in their respective Division Three categories during the prestigious three day carnival.
Taylar and Amanda Wilks’ 12 years team placed thirteenth after encouraging performances in their section.
Nelson Bay’s accomplished 14 years representative coach Linda Jones told News Of The Area that all three squads “achieved impressive results” during the coveted tournament.
“We are so proud of our budding community representatives who showcased exceptional skill and sportsmanship and flew the Nelson Bay Netball Association (NBNA) flag with distinction,” quipped Linda.
“The 14s had a disruptive campaign due to a spate of injuries during the lead-in carnivals but the girls showed their capabilities when able to get back on court together at full strength,” she reflected.
“All three teams exemplified NBNA’s core values of respect, teamwork and camaraderie.”
Led by promising defenders Sophie Bless and Kobie Clarke, the Nelson Bay 14 years squad won thirteen of their nineteen matches to finish on 26 points behind Division Three champions Kurri Kurri (36 points), Ballina (35), Woy Woy (34), Grafton (30) and Kiama (29).
The girls chalked up solid victories over Griffith (13-11), Temora (17-8), Tamworth (20-19), Grafton (17-8), Mudgee (15-9), Blue Mountains (11-5), Great Lakes (20-13), Glen Innes (15-11), Port Stephens (18-6), Tumut (22-15), Scone (14-9), Manning Valley (24-9) and Yass (31-1).
Their only losses were to Southern Highlands (14-11), Ballina (19-9), Woy Woy (11-8), Casino (17-14), premiers Kurri Kurri (16-5) and Kiama (17-10).
Ciara Cullen shone in defence and as a shooter in a superb team effort along with skilful midcourters Millah Brown and Lexi Scott, talented shooters Talia Sloan, Liberty Phillips and Kaitlin Burgess, ace defender Emma Tibbs and the versatile April Eggins.
Coach Linda was ably assisted by her 20-year-old daughter Ella Jones, who competes in the Hunter Netball Metro League, and team manager Nicole Brady.
“Ella was a huge plus for us and able to impart her knowledge and experience in elite representative netball which the girls lapped up on court,” revealed Linda.
Just as impressive were Taylah and Kerry Whitty’s emerging 13 years team that won nine and drew one of their sixteen fixtures to register nineteen points.
Queanbeyan were crowned undefeated champions on 31 points followed by Tamworth (30), Woy Woy (27), Kurri Kurri (24) and Kiama (22).
The squad comprised Charlotte Clark, Mia Gambrill, Harlow Earnshaw, Maebel Colley, Skyla Barrett, Bonnie Sproule, Arabella Whaler, Maggie Feldman and Adalyn Wilson.
In a fine team display Nelson Bay posted victories over Macleay (16-12), Griffith (24-9), Scone (22-15), Manning Valley (17-12), Tumut (22-16), Leeton (14-5), Lismore (27-16), Ballina (17-13) and Shoalhaven (15-12) and drew 16-all with Mount Druitt.
The girls proved a hard team to beat and suffered heartbreaking losses to Woy Woy (12-9), Kiama (17-15), Cessnock (16-10), title winners Queanbeyan (19-5), Tamworth (16-15) and Kurri Kurri (21-18).
Hosted by Penrith Netball Association, the weekend was alive with energy and featured association dancing, singing and top-tier netball.
State titles are always a highlight for junior and senior representative netballers and foster lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.
By Chris KARAS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
