FOUR teams will contest the NSW Netball State Age Championships this weekend wearing the coveted red, black and white Singleton colours.
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The sides will play at Eastwood Ryde and Penrith over three days, participating in up to 23 games during the challenging competition.
Coach of the 15’s outfit, Sharon Cameron, says the division two grading comes with some stiff opposition.
She is thrilled with the way the players have responded to court craft training, as well as utilising new skills, during the lead-up carnivals to State Age.
All the 15s are excited and well-prepared for the competition ahead.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with the girls this year,” Cameron said.
“We have used the carnival lead-up to test new combinations and this has delivered diversity on the court with so many strong options we will put to use at State Age.”
The 14’s mentor is Gail Solman, who had the challenge of having a team with five fresh players to the rep circuit.
She is delighted with the way the girls are combining as a unit, with great skills across the court.
During the lead-up tournaments, this team played competitively against sides in the division two grade.
They’re more than ready for the challenge of State Age.
Preparation for the 13s has been daunting, given the initial placement of the squad in division two.
They have trained extremely hard, given the challenge ahead.
However, notification a fortnight ago that a request for division three was granted was met with huge relief.
“The girls have really stepped up at the carnivals but we had a team that included six players, who have never played rep before,” coach Shelley Walker said.
“So, division two was always going to be a big ask.
“News that we are in division three was very well-received and I thank those involved in the work that allowed this to happen.
“They are a bright, sparkling, enthusiastic group of girls to work with and that is all I can ask for.”
The mentor of the 12s, Jess Maher, steps into the role as one of the youngest rep coaches the association has been proud to showcase.
Division two is always a hard task but Maher said her team was so excited to be stepping on the court alongside some of the big, metropolitan sides in the NSW competition.
“We play our carnivals in the lead-up and face associations we know of,” she said.
“But, State Age will see us face teams from Sydney and the girls are just so excited.
“They have shown such wonderful sportsmanship.
“I couldn’t be more proud of them coming into State Age.”
No-one realises the effort behind the scenes that goes into the NSW Netball State Age Championships.
There are months of preparation, booking transport and accommodation, food and many other logistics and special mention must be made to Abbie Burdon and Donna Williamson for taking on this huge task.