HARD work on and off the netball court has reaped rewards for the Nelson Bay 17 years girls representative team.
In a huge achievement for the local association, the squad returned from the recent NSW State Senior Netball titles in Sydney with a top four ranking in the Division Four category and a stellar performance against State title winners Blayney at the Baulkham Hills complex.
Coached by mainstays Amanda Wilks and daughter Taylar Wilks, the Nelson Bay team chalked up thirteen wins and a draw from their 17 matches to finish in fourth spot on 27 points.
A highlight was the 15-all draw with newly crowned undefeated champions Blayney on the final day.
In doing so, the Nelson Bay lineup became the only side to take a point off the country titans in one of the best matches of the tournament.
The team’s only losses over the three day event were against third ranked Temora (17-16), sixth ranked Lower Clarence (15-14) and runners up Port Stephens (18-11).
Showing true grit and consistency, the Nelson Bay outfit registered wins over Wollondilly (16-13), Cowra (26-12), Glen Innes (18-12), South Canberra (18-14), Gunnedah (19-9), Young & District (32-1), Tumut (21-11), Scone (16-10), Parkes District (17-10), Goulburn & District (24-6), Armidale District (15-10), Dungog (22-16) and Gloucester (22-15).
Players to shine included Emma Tibbs, Tayla Provis, Anneliese Jones, Melody Tibbs, Gabby McCallum, Piper Mullins, Georgia Burgess, Lucy Solomon-James, Amber Redman, Hartley Cobb-Hamilton, Kate Slade and Charli Ball.
Nelson Bay’s 15 yrs rep squad finished a creditable tenth in the Division Three category with seven wins and a draw while the Opens team posted three wins and two draws in the tough Division Two competition.
By Chris KARAS
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