Netballers step up at State Championships Ulladulla's Over 40s Representative Netball Team competed in the State Championships in Sutherland over the June long weekend. Due to extreme weather conditions, day one of the three-day event was cancelled so the team headed out for retail therapy at Miranda Fair. With the weather conditions easing by Sunday morning the team was up at 6am and keen to play. Player Rhonda Wagg said their first game was against Macleay. "All our training and hard work came together, taking out a win in our first game," Rhonda enthused. "As usual the competition was tough but we gave 100% in every game and proved to be a team not to take lightly. "This year our training was focused on our court skills thanks to the assistance of Michelle Hendrie & Annette Chapman. "Their advice was invaluable and opposing teams made comments on how much our game has improved. "Our last game against Orange was full of suspense and fantastic for the spectators. "We were down four goals at half time and came back to one goal down with the end result being 14-12 to Orange," she said. Rhonda said special thanks had to go to Liz Hope, who travelled up from Tooma, near the Victorian border to play with her team. "Newcomers Lorraine Dixon and Sonya Hampson settled in well and played excellent Netball," Rhonda said. "Both defence players were instrumental in many turnovers. "Jane Henderson and Liz Hope created the base of our defence. "Jane and Liz rattled their opponents creating errors which, we capitalised on. "Captain Tammy Walker led and directed the games on court with her play as usual being top shelf material. "Sue Whitford's level headed netball skill, ensured the centre courts success. "Deb Todeschini worked hard shooting against tough defence achieving a high conversion rate over the two-day championship. "I was our utility attack player assisting in the centre court and Deb and I worked well in the shooting area. "Ann Pomfret shot some amazing goals as only Ann can. "This was Ann Pomfret's last year as a player and her calming nature and guidance on the court will be sadly missed, her years of commitment and guidance are very appreciated," Rhonda said. Sue Chismon played Mum for the weekend ensuring the team had nutritious food and drinks available all weekend. Manager, Rhonda Swindale made sure the girls were on time for all games, on the right court, scored, and ensured that all were well hydrated. Umpires Ruth Robson and Jeanette McDonald's tireless work did not go unnoticed. The strapping and massages by Vicki White were a great help in keeping the team fit to play. Coach Mark Wagg got us fit and focused - persevering with nine over-40 year old women. "We owe so much to Mark - he always ensures we have warmed up before our games and warmed down after our games and because of that we have once again came back injury free after many games of netball," Rhonda said. "We all had a great time away and played some fantastic Netball," Rhonda said. Michelle Hendrie & Annette Chapman agreed, "the team is really playing netball now!" Photo caption: Ulladulla Over 40's Representatives team: (Back) Liz Hope, coach Mark Wagg, Ann Pomfret, Debbie Todeschini, Jane Henderson, manager Rhonda Swindale, (front)Lorraine Dixon, Tammy Walker, Rhonda Wagg, Sonia Hampson & Susanne Whitford. Ulladulla Netball   Be a Sport Just Support- Then your Children will Enjoy! Affiliated with New South Wales Netball Association Limited and All Australia Netball Association (Ltd)