PORT Stephens and Nelson Bay netballers are the toast of the region after stand-out achievements at this year’s NSW Netball Senior State Championships in Sydney.
In a huge fillip for the sport in northern NSW, Emma Penfold’s mighty Port Stephens U17s squad clinched back-to-back Division Four titles at Campbelltown’s Coronation Park Netball Complex.
The gifted juniors demonstrated their court skills, tenacity, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the three day carnival – chalking up 16 wins from their 17 fixtures to top the standings and retain the championship trophy.
Port Stephens finished equal on 32 points with South Canberra, who didn’t figure in the overall standings as they were an invitational side.
In a display of dominance, the girls reinforced their number one ranking after blitzing their ACT rivals 20-9 on the final day.
Nelson Bay’s U17s finished runners-up on 30 points with 15 victories.
They were the only team to defeat the classy Port Stephens line-up, edging out the eventual champions 17-14 in an early crackerjack contest.
Leading the way for Port Stephens were outstanding midcourters Emily Crain, Isobel Frize, Sarah Byrne and Laura Moir; defenders Caitlin Porter, Blair Vorenkamp and Caitlin Scaines; plus talented shooters Lilia Frize, Lily Peters and Bronte Bohan.
It was a case of déjà vu for returning players Scaines, Peters and Bohan after also tasting previous championship success with the association’s triumphant 2024 U17s side.
Port Stephens’ Representative Netball Convenor Nadina Marsh told News Of The Area that the Division Four title victory was “a just reward for the tireless efforts both on and off court by all players and officials involved.”
Nadina had coached many of the girls in last year’s Port Stephens U15s representative team, which finished third at the 2024 titles.
“This is an extremely talented squad, who are fine ambassadors for our association and continue to develop their skills under the coaching of Emma.”
Port Stephens registered impressive wins over Inverell (17-8), Casino (14-10), Coonabarabran (20-4), Manning Valley (18-7), Marlin Coast (15-13), Singleton (19-14), Lower Clarence (15-10), Tumut (19-10), Cowra (18-4), Woolgoolga (18-6), Brunswick-Byron (24-3), Blayney (12-10), Armidale District (17-12), South Canberra (20-9), Gunnedah (28-5) and Wollondilly (22-9).
“It was a tremendous team effort under the guidance of coach Emma and manager Mel Crain and primary carer/physio Oliver Vorenkamp, who worked like a Trojan behind the scenes to keep the girls sharp and fit over the duration of the carnival,” Nadina said.
“Our U15s and Opens teams were also competitive in their respective divisions and showed plenty of spirit against tough opposition.”
By Chris KARAS
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