PORT Stephens netball is proven competitive and prosperous after three local associations covered themselves in glory at the recent Netball NSW HART State Junior Championships in Sydney.
In a huge boon for the region, the Nelson Bay under-12s, Dungog under-12s and Port Stephens under-14s received Blue Patches for finishing runners up in their respective Division Three and Division Four categories at the prestigious three-day event.
All three squads captured the imagination of the netball public with skillful and spirited performances against some of the finest junior netballers in the state.
Nelson Bay’s talented under-12s lineup exceeded all expectations to finish with a top two ranking – producing unbeaten six-game streaks on the opening and final days at the Narellan Sports Hub.
Woy Woy were declared overall champions on 34 points, winning 17 of their 18 fixtures and tasting defeat only once to third-ranked Kurri Kurri (13-12) in a final-day thriller.
Taylah Whitty’s well-drilled Nelson Bay outfit showed their champion qualities to finish runners-up on 31 points with 15 victories, a draw and two losses.
“Leading into the State titles we gave ourselves a realistic chance of a top four finish but to actually come second is an incredible feat,” a proud Taylah told News Of The Area at the conclusion of the championships.
“The girls were amazing over the entire three days and rose to the challenge with courageous team efforts and sharp performances across the court,” said Taylah, who coached Nelson Bay to a State under-12 Division 4 championship title back in 2023.
Nelson Bay couldn’t have wished for a better start to their championship campaign on the opening day – winning all six matches against Bellingen (19-1), Southern Highlands (18-7), Cessnock (12-3), Inverell (9-7), Manning Valley (18-9) and Scone (14-10).
They stretched their winning streak to nine with victories over Woolgoolga (24-4), Quirindi (15-4) and Macleay (16-4) the following day before experiencing back-to-back losses to Great Lakes (15-11) and Woy Woy (25-7) and ending the day with a confidence-restoring triumph over Tamworth (17-8).
With the top three positions up for grabs, the Nelson Bay whiz kids stepped up and delivered on the final day as they eked out victories over Griffith (20-8), Queanbeyan (15-8), West Wyalong (29-8), Muswellbrook (22-2), Lower Clarence (15-8) and an unlucky 11-all result with Kurri Kurri after their rivals snatched a draw with a goal on the buzzer.
Leading the way were midcourt dynamos Faith Karas, Sailor Jenkins, Mia Petrellis and Amarli Buckton who used their speed and court skills to ignite a formidable attack with promising shooters Olivia Morgan, Emily Noble and ace goal attack Bella Edwards.
A crucial component of Nelson Bay’s winning recipe was the team’s rock-like defence with goalkeeper Gemma Edwards, goal defence Willow Earnshaw and wing defence Jacinta Scott creating plenty of turnovers and intercepts with their bustling style at the back.
Special kudos must go to experienced assistant coach Kerry Whitty, daughter Taylah and manager Tahlia Brien for their impeccable preparation and having the squad in fine tune for the coveted event.
By Chris KARAS
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