MATESHIP and teamwork are the telling factors when observing the traits of the all-conquering Stingrays junior netball side.
Under the guidance of leading coach Linda Jones, the talented crop dominated this year’s Juniors 11-12yrs division in the Nelson Bay Netball Association to finish undefeated champions with a perfect record.
The emerging Stringrays won all 14 matches during the regular season before toppling main rivals the Little Rippers 26-11 in the qualifying final and 23-15 in the Grand Final to claim the title and underline their supremacy.
Their delighted coach told News Of The Area that the team’s winning recipe was based around the players “honing their skills and having fun together on court.”
“The girls simply enjoy playing netball together and have built a great camaraderie over the past five years,” said Jones, the newly inducted Nelson Bay Netball Coach of the Year.
“Over the past 12 months their skills have improved and they continue to build on combinations and encourage each other on court with smiles on their faces – they are a delight to coach.”
The team was formed back in 2021 when Linda was co-ordinating the association’s Net Set Go Skills Program.
“They were a bunch of enthusiastic seven-year-olds with natural ability and eager to learn the finer points of netball – so I decided to assemble a squad and mentor them through those formative years.”
In their first competitive season last year in the Junior 10-11yrs division they stepped up an age group and reached the Grand Final.
Twelve months down the track, the Stingrays have grown in stature and dominated the Juniors 11-12yrs competition, with their skill across the court, unwavering team spirit, and fine sportsmanship a feature of their success.
Eight players including star goal attack Bella Edwards and twin sister Gemma – one of the region’s most promising goal keepers – along with gifted centre-wing attacks Sailor Jenkins and Jacinta Scott, versatile Amarli Buckton, prolific shooter Bonnie Preston, wing defence Isla Trayling and goal defence Cassia Stallard, were part of this year’s Nelson Bay Under 11 Development representative squad.
Twelve-year-old centre/defender Isabelle Archer bolstered the well-drilled Stingrays lineup with her all-court game as the team hit their straps leading into the finals series.
A hallmark of the girls’ lofty standing was the respect they showed opponents.
When not chalking up another victory on court, you’d find the Stringrays applauding and cheering on their rivals with words of encouragement.
“They are a delightful bunch with a deep passion for netball and bright future in the sport.”
Four of the girls – twins Bella and Gemma, and Sailor and Jacinta – have gained selection in the Nelson Bay 12-years representative squad along with Little Rippers quartet Faith Karas, Willow Earnshaw, Willoughby Weber and Emily Noble plus Maitland recruit Mia Petrellis.
They’ll compete at the 2026 State Junior Netball titles in Sydney.
By Chris KARAS
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