PLAYERS from the Hastings Valley Netball Association are competing in Sydney over the long weekend in the Netball NSW HART Senior State Titles.
Comprising athletes from the association’s six clubs, the three-day tournament is the principal competition for players aged from15 years.
They will join coaches, umpires and officials in enjoying the challenge of intra-state competition, highlighting the power of grassroots netball.
With competitions being played at Camden and Campbelltown across Opens, 17s and 15s, expectations are as high as the competition is tough.
“After winning the 14’s Division 2 State Title last year, the 15’s step up into the Championship division, playing the best of the best for their age in NSW,” 15s coach Kelly McHugh told News Of The Area.
“We play 19 games, with every game contested.
“[This will be] some of the toughest competition the girls would have played.”
While Sutherland and Penrith are likely to be the early pacesetters, the girls are looking forward to bringing their talent and tight teamwork to the court.
“The players have pushed themselves extremely hard and are ready to let the big guns know who the country kids are.”
The coach of the 17s, Natalie Jordan, is expecting the metro teams to be the strongest, including host association Camden.
Country teams like Barellan and Orange are also on her radar as one’s to watch.
“We play all three [of those teams] on the first day so it’s a tough start to the campaign but hopefully it builds resolve in our girls to bring their best game for the rest of the weekend”, she said.
With 18 teams in their division, the 10-strong Opens squad will play six fiercely contested games per day across the three days, with every match played at grand final intensity.
“Barellan looks very strong on paper with a couple of Premier League players in the mix, and Wagga Wagga and the ADF [Australian Defence Force] are always tough”, said Opens Co-Caption Molly Styles.
Opens Coach Amy Quirk, said that “since February, the teams have been training hard both on and off the court, honing their skills through a strength and conditioning program, practice matches, and intensive team sessions.”
Amy strongly believes in all the teams’ abilities to show up and perform, sharing how the community can show their support.
“The teams are ready to represent the Hastings Valley region with pride and determination.
“Supporters can follow live scores on the Netball NSW website and updates on the Hastings Valley Netball Association Facebook page.”
Hastings Valley veterans Leanne Rutherford, Faye O’Neil, and Alex Scarabello will umpire on the day alongside debutante Grace Bunt who will be officiating at her first State Titles.
State Champions will be crowned on Monday afternoon.
By Rikki WALLER
