Lower Clarence representative teams clean up at Netball NSW junior state netball titles

Clarence Valley teenagers have rocked the room at the state junior netball championships. Hear from the coaches and players who made it happen.

Lower Clarence representative netball acheived incredible success.

Lower Clarence Representative Netball (LCNA) sent three teams to Liverpool for the Netball NSW junior state netball titles - where they bossed across the three days of competition.

The three sides achieved incredible success in the various 12 years, 13s and 14s age sections.

The Lower Clarence 14s went undefeated through a marathon 17 games and were crowned winners of the fourth division.

The 13s were not to be outdone, being undefeated through 18 matches and also took the fourth division crown in their age group.

The 12s completed the trifecta, winning all but four of their 18 games, to finish equal first on the ladder.

The weekend was a huge success for all three Lower Clarence teams.

Lower Clarence representative netball convener Shelly White said the sides had been attending weekly training sessions and local carnivals around the region in preparation for the Sydney weekend.

“It was such an amazing achievement from all teams over the weekend,” Ms White said.

“We are incredibly proud of all players … it was such a great weekend watching these teams show determination, passion, and effort.

“Well done on the most successful rep season (the) Lower Clarence has ever had.”

A Lower Clarence rep netball team in Sydney.

Here is what the coaches and some of the players had to say:

Tash Hancock and Andrea Nikas — 12s coaches

“What an experience for 10 little 12-year-olds. This was their first ever state titles and we could not be any more proud of their attitude, sportsmanship and effort,” they said.

“Each of them gave 110 per cent on the court and the jokes, laughs, and friendships that were made over the weekend were beautiful to watch.

“These girls achieved so much because of their positive attitudes and teamwork.”

The 12 years Lower Clarence team.

Jill Meldrum and Kelle Murphy — 13s coaches

“We are so incredibly proud of how the girls played and who they are on and off the court,” they said.

“They had so much fun together over the weekend and their spirit and sportsmanship towards others throughout the event was beautiful to see.

“Such an amazing experience that we all cherish, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented girls.”

The 13 years Lower Clarence squad.

Aneeka Jones — 14s coach

“It is such an honour to guide these girls, on and off the netball court and to see the hard work over many years from the girls, their families and all our support crew,” she said.

“The girls played with exceptional sportsmanship, in so many close games, always giving their best, never giving up, one game at a time.

“Winning our division was just a bonus.”

The 14 years Lower Clarence side.

Jessamine Robson — 13s player

“The competition was hard, your fitness really matters, and you don’t know whether it’s going to be slow or fast,” she said.

“(My favourite moment) was the end we were all crying when we’d realised, we had won.”

A group of Lower Clarence netball teams.

Taya Murphy — 13s player

“State titles this year was awesome. The teams were fierce, but we worked hard to get the wins,” she said.

Her favourite moment was winning against the Bruns from Byron.

“We hadn’t beaten them before at state level,” she said.

“I felt so happy after hearing the score, after how hard we worked and how much we all wanted that match under our belts.”

One of the netball players in action.

Lily Woods — 13s player

“The competition was hard, but it was one of the funniest times I have had, and I had the best times with my friends,” she said.

Winners and grinners.

Chloe Ryan — 14s player

“The competition was a fantastic opportunity for our team to showcase our team’s ability and win a title in the game we love to play,” she said.

 

Dimity Clarke — 14s player

“State titles was an amazing opportunity and winning a state title for your favourite sport with some of your favourite people is one of the best feelings ever,” she said.

One of the Lower Clarence players in action.

Tessie Davey — 14s player

“I love playing netball, winning state was amazing. Most of the games were so close and we all had to try so hard and work together,” she said.

A Lower Clarence player in mid-flight.

Grace Finnegan — 14s player

“The competition was fun, some games were really intense … netball is such a fun team sport and everyone has a role in the game,” she said.

A team talk.

Addison Roberts — 14s player

“The competition down in Sydney was hard and some games were close, so we had to work as a team and play hard. It was an amazing feeling winning,” she said.

The competition ran for three days.

Mia Turner — 14s player

“I loved playing in Sydney. Some games were really hard, and we played so well as a team and got through undefeated. It was so much fun,” she said.

A player leaping out in defence.

Ele Nichols — 14s player

“The competition was the most surreal experience for me after the last two years where we didn’t make it to state,” she said.

“It was very emotional for all of my girls and I was so proud of everyone who played their absolute hearts out.

“The other teams were great sports and it made for a really fun three days of netball.”