TESTING your skills in the highly competitive Newcastle Association Division One ranks is the ideal benchmark for emerging netballers in the Hunter region.
A batch of Nelson Bay schoolgirls stepped up to the mark this season with encouraging performances for their North Stars team in the Girls’ premier 15 Years division.
Competing in the strong Newcastle association for the first time, the Nelson Bay North Stars secured a top three finish in the Division One category to cap a stellar season.
In a tremendous achievement, the Port Stephens-based club won 10 of their 12 fixtures during the regular season to finish second on the ladder behind minor premiers and eventual champions Souths Argon.
Despite major injuries to key players, the Nelson Bay outfit showed their fortitude and on-court skills to qualify for the end-of-season finals.
The all-conquering Argon downed the North Stars 39-23 in the qualifying final before the Nelson Bay girls bowed out of the title race with a 50-37 preliminary final loss to West Leagues Panthers.
“Our girls were competitive from the beginning and showed throughout the season that they were contenders at this level,” coach Calida Hawkins told News Of The Area.
“Their adaptability and resilience were probably their greatest strengths this season. We lost multiple players for a significant part of the year through injury, but the girls continually worked to different combinations and never stopped supporting and working for each other.”
North Stars lineup featured Nelson Bay representative players in centres Millah Brown and Molly Pickette; wing attacks Alexis Scott and April Eggins; goal shooters Talia Sloan and Hazel Bird; goal attack Kaitlin Burgess; goal defence Sophie Bless; wing defence Ella McFadden and goal keeper Millie Stallard.
In a savage blow, the Nelson Bay side lost three pivotal players – Millah, Hazel and Ella – to major injuries in the run home to the finals.
“As their coach, I’m incredibly proud of what they achieved, particularly in the way they came together as a new team in a new competition,” Hawkins added.
“Watching them gel and support one another throughout the season has been one of the most rewarding parts of coaching the North Stars.
“I was incredibly grateful to have Under 21s player Kate Slade as our assistant coach and Mandy Eggins as team manager.
“Their support and commitment to the girls was invaluable.”
By Chris KARAS
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