Junior netballers set for rep duty

SUNRAYSIA Netball Region’s 15 and Under squad are ready to face the best Victoria has to offer.

Containing a number of bottom-aged players, Sunraysia will hope to show the rest of the state what their made of at the Netball Victoria State Titles in Frankston this long weekend.

Under the guidance of coaches Jodie Clay and Lisa Mangan, the squad are prepared for the fast-paced intensity of the round robin style tournament, with 17 condensed matches fixtured from Saturday through to Monday morning, with semi finals and the grand final to follow on Monday afternoon.

The travelling players had their final training session before the carnival on Monday, and Netball Victoria Sunraysia state title officer Alana Mills said they have shown plenty of excitement.

“Normally Sunraysia would have a 17 and Under team as well but we have just the one squad this year,” she said.

“It’s a bit of a new look team and predominantly bottom-age girls most of who are pretty new into the program so it’s going to be exciting for them.

“They’ve been putting in a lot of work with Jodie and Lisa and have put together a really good training block.

“In Mildura while footy and netball season finished at the end of winter, the Mildura Netball Association’s main competition takes place in summer so these girls are playing all year round and are ready to go.

“It’s actually been amazing to see how these girls have responded, especially with so many of them being younger, including under-13 Emma Mottram who is still 12.

“These kids seem to be craving that next level of training and competition and they’ve taken to it really well.

“Big thanks to Mildura Netball Association for sponsoring this and allowing the girls the opportunity to compete.”

Sunraysia’s opening match against Central Highlands at 12.10pm Saturday.

Sunraysia region 15 and under team: Alice Siale (Wentworth), Chloe Copley (Mildura), Claudia Pumpa (Irymple), Dominique Pascale (Wentworth), Ellie Faulkhead (Red Cliffs), Emma Mottram (South Mildura), Isla French (Merebin), Leticia O’Shannessy (Ouyen United), Lexi Munro (Ouyen United), Macey Andriske (South Mildura), Milly Menhennett (South Mildura), Rose Watt (Red Cliffs). Training partners: Eloise Kalms (Wentworth), Isabella Mensch (Irymple), Melanie Beswick (South Mildura).