Evergreen Lane still playing

IT’S rare for two ‘fifty-somethings” to claim the Mildura Golf Resort SFNL Netballer of the Week in the same season let alone still be playing in the top flight, so South Mildura defender Sharne Lane was happily surprised when she found out had she joined that elite class this week.

A few weeks back another evergreen defender, Mildura’s Sharon Watson, claimed the prize in a league overspilling with young talent and now Lane has been awarded that gong as well.

“I’ve never been chosen before, so it just seems quite funny,” Lane said.

“I think they (teammates) will get a laugh when they see it in the newspaper. I know I will.”

Goalkeeper Lane was a standout performer last week as the Bulldogs’ snatched an afternoon victory over Irymple at Henshilwood Reserve and kept their finals hopes alive.

“It was a really exciting game,” she said of the two-point victory over the finals bound Swallows.

“We just fought it out all day, It was a good team effort. The ball was going backwards and forwards fast, but I think we were a little more patient and making sure we were making passes and limiting turnovers. Keeping our heads up helped as well.”

It was a do-or-die clash for South and now they meet the team they are vying for fifth spot with, Red Cliffs, in another matinee at the ‘P’ today.

“I missed that match last time around. (Shooter) Zara Copley had a cracking game. Now, as we are coming round into the home straight, I think it will just come down to match ups. We have got options and can make changes throughout our team,” Lane said.

“We have a team that can make finals. We’ve got two tough games coming up, but we’ve have good camaraderie and culture going through our team … we’ll just get out on the court and make the most of every opportunity.”

Lane is a school teacher at Trinity who also coaches South’s under-15s, which includes her daughter Sienna; Like Watson, she too can see no end-by date to her career.

“My daughter (Ella) plays B Grade at the moment and she’s a defender as well and would love for us to play together,” Lane said.

“I’ll take each week as it comes, but I still love the challenge.”

Lane is the Mildura Golf Resort SFNL Netballer of the Week for round 16. She receives a $150 voucher for the Mildura Golf Resort.