2006 STATE AGE RUNNERS-UP
GIRLS CLAIM STATE SECOND!

With the Netball New South Wales State Age Championships over for 2006, 3,000 plus netballers returned to their homes, after having travelled from all corners of the state for a gruelling three-day competition.

At Lakeside Belmont, the Ulladulla & Districts Netball Association's 13 years representative team - Caitlin Patterson, Jaylee Love, Rhiannon Keith, Bianca Mosley, Demi Hampson, Amanda Mattock, Caitlin Watt, Cheyanne Hatch and Ellisha Charters, took out second place in their division at the New South Wales State Age Championships.

The girls faced a huge challenge playing 22 games over three days, by game 15 at the end of day two the girls were tied first place with Parkes both teams undefeated. Day three was the most challenging where the girls were to come up against Parkes and Mount Druitt ranked in second spot.

The girls rose to the challenge and gave it their all, but Parkes and Mount Druitt were very strong and better on the day. It came down to the last two games of the day where they had to play fourth placed Tumut and fifth placed West Wyalong, Tumut once again very strong and the game ended in a draw.

The last game of the day against West Wyalong was a must win to come outright second, it was goal for goal, then right on half time they broke our centre, Ulladulla were down by two goals. The team talk at half time was to focus on remaining calm, play their own game, do not panic and stay focused.

Over 22 games played, watching from the sideline, coach Carole Shepherd was immensely proud of the whole team, and said "beautiful, disciplined and skilled netball was displayed".

The defence end of Jaylee Love, Rhiannon Keith and Demi Hampson who chased everything, intercepted and deflected balls left, right and centre; the centre court players Bianca Mosley, Caitlin Watt, Amanda Mattock and Cheyanne Hatch, drove and re-offered all weekend long never giving up.

To the shooters Caitlin Patterson, Ellisha Charters and Cheyanne Hatch who shone all weekend, great shooting girls. All nine girls showed great courage, tenacity and sheer determination over 3 days and their sportsmanship on and off the court was inspiring. Congratulations girls, you have done yourselves and the Ulladulla & Districts Netball Association proud.