Centaur Public School at Banora Point takes home first, second and fifth place in state netball, touch football competitions

Determined young primary school athletes from a Banora Point school have been rewarded for their pursuit of glory in state-wide sports competitions this year. Here’s their story.

Lillian Egan Gurung in action for Centaur.

Determined young primary school athletes from a Tweed school have been rewarded for their pursuit of glory in state-wide sports competitions this year.

The teams of year 5 and 6 students from Centaur Primary School at Banora Point competed in netball and touch football competitions – taking home first, second and fifth places.

The netballers made an impressive mark in the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) Knockout competition.

The touch football team: Luca Godden, Maliana Siulangapo, Jessica Wilcox, Molly Danckert, Lillian Egan Gurung, Xanthia Gumm, Priya Jacky, Madison Clark, Emme Gilbert, Melina Greenup, Charlotte Gilbert, Tamica Oliver, Lauren Powell, and Chantelle Zammit of Centaur Primary School.

They secured second place out of more than 800 schools.

The same girls also entered the PSSA Touch Football Knockout and managed fifth place in the state out of about 400 teams.

Netballers also participated in the All Schools Netball Competition, organised by NSW Netball, featuring diverse schools including private, Catholic and independent institutions.

The Centaur girls were declared Far North Champions and later went on to win overall following a series of fiercely-contested matches.

Lillian Egan Gurung (right) playing for Centaur.

Chantelle Zammit was named most valuable player (MVP) of the netball championship.

“I felt surprised about winning MVP and proud as I missed out on the PSSA Knockout grand final as I was away competing in another netball tournament,” she said.

“The All Schools tournament made me want to make up for it and give it my all as it was my last time playing for Centaur.”

Teacher Olivia Attenborough-Doyle said the girls’ “outstanding year” and “remarkable success” made their school proud.

The touch footy team.

She said the students showcased “dedication, teamwork, and determination”.

“Seven of the girls are in year 6 and will be heading into high school next year,” Ms Attenborough-Doyle said.

“Chantelle, Luca and Lillian were successful to make it into the PBC (Palm Beach Currumbin State High) netball excellence program, while Maddi, Melina and Lauren made the Banora Point Talented Athletic Program.”

The netball team: Chantelle Zammit, Maliana Siulangapo, Emme Gilbert, Luca Godden, Lillian Egan Gurung, Madison Clark, Lauren Powell, Melina Greenup, Charlotte Gilbert and Tamica Oliver.

“The Centaur community and all of New South Wales should take pride in the outstanding achievements of these young athletes, who have proven that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible in the world of sports.”