WAGGA has enhanced it’s reputation as home to some of the country’s most promising netballers with another superb display at the state age championships in Sydney.
Wagga’s under 13 team won 15 out of their 16 games over the three days to be claimed state division two champions.
Wagga’s under 14 team also finished runner up in their division.
The under 13 team finished seventh on percentage at last year’s championships but showcased their improvement to rise to the number one spot on Monday.
Wagga under 13 coach Leanne Frow said the team showcased their true potential over the three days.
“I was very, very proud,” Frow said.
“There were a couple of new players, a couple of changes in position, it really wasn’t a settled team until a couple of months ago.”
Frow knew she had the personnel capable of taking out the title.
“I always thought they had the ability,” she said.
“I just wasn’t really sure if they believed it.
“Once we got through the first day undefeated they really started to believe.”
Things did not always go Wagga’s way.
They lost to Newcastle team Lakeside in the first game of day two, but then responded to win every game afterwards.
“They lost to Lakeside but played beautifully and that’s all you can ask for,” Frow said.
“From there they really got their confidence going, I don’t know where it came from but they played better and better.”
Ella McFarlane in defence and Cloe Hildebrand in attack were standouts for Wagga up either end of the court, while Zahli Meriton impressed in wing attack.
Frow praised the team for the improvement they have shown.
“They were frightened last year, too overawed by it all,” she said.
“They were a different team this year.
“I think they’re belief in each other was the big thing, they all gelled and got on really well.”
Wagga’s winning under 13 team pictured above: (back row) manager Melissa Lowe, vice-captain Charlotte Ryan, Ella McFarlane, Matilda Vearing, Cloe Hildebrand, Janai Footman, Charlotte McIntyre, coach Leanne Frow, assistant coach Brooke Tilyard; (front row) Abbey Lowe, captain Grace Masterson, Brooklyn Cashen and Zahli Meriton.
