PORT Stephens Netball Association’s representative teams hope to turn back the clock at this long weekend’s Senior State titles in Sydney.
Last year the Port Stephens club celebrated a Division Four championship triumph in the 17 years and under-age category plus a top three ranking in the 15 years and under division.
Successful Under 17s coach Emma Penfold has assembled another skilful squad for this year’s three day carnival to be staged at both the Camden and Campbelltown Netball Association courts.
After bringing home a trophy in 2024, coach Emma has an abundance of talent in her current U17 charges, who have made an impression at various representative carnivals this season.
Earlier this year the Port Stephens U17s reached the elimination finals in the Netball NSW Hunter and Central Coast Division Four Regional Championships held at the Maitland Basketball Stadium.
The girls defeated Kurri Kurri 13-12, Nelson Bay 12-11 and Singleton 23-11 but succumbed to eventual champions Callaghan (19-14), runners-up Woy Woy (16-12) and Charlestown (15-10) in a very competitive series.
In the knockout final, Nelson Bay exacted revenge over their Port Stephens neighbours with a spirited 17-11 victory.
The Port Stephens squad features exciting prospects in Bronte Bohan, Sarah Byrne, Laura Moir, Lily Peters, Caitlin Porter, Blair Vorenkamp, Emily Crain, Isla Forster, Caitlin Scanes and Lilia Frize.
All 10 players have shown their versatility and teamwork, natural skills and will, to win on court during carnival play and head into the State titles with a purple patch of form.
Long-serving Port Stephens Netball Representative Convenor Sam Rumbel believes this year’s U17 squad will prove as competitive as ever.
“They have clicked as a team from the outset with consistent performances at all representative carnivals this season and inspire our junior netballers with their determination and great sportsmanship.”
By Chris KARAS
