NELSON Bay netballers delivered a triple treat at the annual Port Stephens Association Junior Netball Carnival at Raymond Terrace.
Three association teams – the Under 11 Little Rippers, Under 14 All Stars and the Nelson Bay Under 17s – scooped the pool and brought home winners’ medals in their respective age groups.
It was a fine achievement by the talented Nelson Bay contingent, which produced skilful performances at the invitational event to remain undefeated on the day.
Under the guidance of Nelson Bay Under 11 Development coach Ashlee Hall, the Little Rippers captured the Dolphins Division title in style.
“Despite a three week lay off from club netball, the girls were a model of consistency and found their groove as the tournament progressed,” said Ashlee, who doubles as the Nelson Bay Senior Opens representative coach.
“They improved with each game, with our centre Faith Karas and goal shooters Willow Earnshaw and Willoughby Weber back from representative duties and leading the way.”
Young midcourter Evie Howard, goal attack Eden Colley, Zoe Royle and the defensive unit comprising Eliza Jurotte, Marlowe Haecker and Charlotte Stephens also turned in solid performances in a superb team effort.
The all conquering Little Rippers toppled the Terrace Central Cyclones 24-0, Karuah Opals 12-3, St Brigids Swifts 9-4, Dungog Dynamos 6-3, St Brigids All Stars 16-0 and the Dungog Dashers 14-3 to remain undefeated and claim the title with 12 points from their six matches.
In a gripping tussle with runners-up Dungog Dynamos (10 points), they showed poise and tenacity to post a three goal victory.
The Rippers’ fourth representative player – goal attack Emily Noble – underwent surgery on the eve of the carnival but in typical spirit was on the sidelines in a wheelchair cheering on her teammates.
Nelson Bay’s undefeated All Stars lineup clinched the Under 14 Blue Division title – winning all seven matches to finish on 14 points and four clear of fellow Bay clubs Storm (ten points) and the third placed Vipers (seven).
Coached by Sarah Matthews, the All Stars registered impressive wins over the Nelson Bay Storm (24-9 and 19-13), Nelson Bay Vipers (23-6 and 21-8), Bradson Blazers (27-6), Terrace Central Vipers (28-4) and Nelson Bay Breakers (42-0).
They were without the services of ace goal shooter Brynne Dagwell and Marley Lester but demonstrated their depth of talent and class on court with strong performances from Harlow Colley, Maeve Lewis, Scarlett Lui, Macey Matthews, Zahli Read, Laila Shires, Brooklyn Terry, Emillie Weaver and Tahlia Abel.
There was no stopping the classy Nelson Bay Under 17s outfit coached by Sue Shelley, which powered through to the Grey Division title.
In a dominant team display, the Bay girls proved unbeatable with emphatic victories over the Dungog Dazzlers 25-5 and 22-8, St Brigids Runaway Stars 22-13 and 18-10, St Brigids Hot Shots 29-5, Bradson Phoenix 19-2 and South Maitland Cobalts.
Nelson Bay topped the standings on 14 points with seven wins – four points clear of runners-up St Brigids Runaway Stars.
Port Stephens Netball organising committee can take a bow for yet another well run carnival fostering junior talent.
By Chris KARAS
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