James Murphy
THE Western Border Junior Netball Association will be out in full force at the Netball SA Country Championships this weekend.
Unfortunately the Association will not send a senior side away, with injuries and work commitments believed to have left it short on numbers.
As such, all eyes will be on the five juniors teams which will vye for the honours across three grades.
They will compete over three days against rival teams from across country South Australia, including the Mid South East and Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Netball Association.
There is plenty of experience in the 17 and Under side, with majority of players regulars in Senior ranks.
South Gambier’s Ellie Bouchier, Alyssa Duncan and Lara Munro have all been starters in the Demons’ top grade for some time and are in impressive form of late.
It is no surprise to see Millicent strongly represented in the team – filling six of the 10 spots – while the Saints feature prominently across all grades.
Portia McRae and Lillie Paul have been starters for Millicent’s A Grade this season, while Casterton Sandford’s Ebany Jarrad has been equally impressive playing in the Cats’ defence.
Surprisingly the 15 and Under squad also has some A Grade experience in its ranks.
North Gambier’s Macey Griffith has been a regular in the top grade this season, while fellow Tiger Cara Nulty has also had a few tastes of senior action.
They both feature in the 15 and Under Navy Blue team and will look to impress on the representative stage.
Due to an abundance of junior talent, Western Border will take two 15 and Under and two 13 and Under sides to the event.
Strong results can be expected from the talented rosters, but they will be met by tough competition from rival Associations.
Minor rounds will be contested over the next two days, with finals scheduled for Monday in an action-packed weekend of netball.
TEAMS
17 and Under: Ellie Bouchier (South Gambier), Abby Denton (Millicent), Alyssa Duncan (South Gambier), Ella Easterby (Millicent), Ebany Jarrad (Casterton Sandford), Portia McRae (Millicent), Lara Munro (South Gambier), Lillie Paul (Millicent), Daisy Tunkin (Millicent), Lauren Van Eeden (Millicent); Coaches: Donna Denton and Michelle Skeer.
15 and Under (Navy Blue): Mackinlee Alcock (Millicent), Ava Collins (North Gambier), Molly Cushion (Millicent), Gracie Dalton (South Gambier), Macey Griffith (North Gambier), Ruby Mitchell (North Gambier), Cara Nulty (North Gambier), Piper Paul (Millicent), Lucy Simpson (West Gambier), Poppy Venn (Millicent); Coach: Di Gould.
15 and Under (Sky Blue): Maggie Collins (North Gambier), Matti Fauchelle (Millicent), Mia Gysbers (Millicent), Maddison Harrold (South Gambier), Chelsea Hulm (Casterton Sandford), Tully Lindner (West Gambier), Indi Longhurst (Casterton Sandford), Mylee Lynch (Millicent), Imogen McGregor (West Gambier), Sarah Richardson (Casterton Sandford), Coach: Rosie Collins.
13 and Under (Navy Blue): Bella Coghlan (Millicent), Raine Darimaani (North Gambier), Emily Denton (Millicent), Kalani Dunn (Millicent), Tahnee Grosser (Millicent), Asha Gysbers (Millicent), Jeda Hibberd (Millicent), Mischa Human (North Gambier), Georgia Nulty (North Gambier), Lila Pearson (West Gambier); Coach: Hayley Dunn.
13 and Under (Sky Blue): Analeigh Anderson (West Gambier), Kiersten Cole (South Gambier), Lucy Crowe (Millicent), Mia Griffith (North Gambeir), Halle Harvey (South Gambier), Tahni Kemp (East Gambier), Swaye Lindner (West Gambier), Ruby Milich (South Gambier), Lara Murdoch (West Gambier), Indee Stratford (East Gambier); Coach: Jodie Humphries; Assistant Coach: Caeleigh Humphries.
