The 2019 Netball NSW State Titles once again proved itself the most gruelling sporting event on any netballer's calendar with the Nambucca Valley Netball Association's (NVNA) 17s playing 18 matches over the June long weekend.
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With mixed results at carnivals in the lead-up, coach Vicki Wassens was unsure how the team would place at this year's States.
"Netball NSW have no 16s division meaning it is a jump straight into 17s. With all our players bar one being from the 15s team last year, we knew we were going to come up against players with that little bit of added physical strength and maturity that comes with being in the sport longer," she said.
On day one, Mudgee and Brunswick Byron (eventual overall winners) proved what a little more age on your side can bring to the court.
These games set the standard needed to place in the top half of the ladder, and the girls rallied to finish the day with three wins, two losses and a draw.
Day two was always going to be tough with seven games on the roster.
But they were not phased by the bigger associations, including Parramatta Auburn, and were determined to continue their growth as a team by playing smart, controlled netball, and capitalising on opportunities: five wins and two losses by two goals at the end of day two.
Anyone who has played a State Title knows day three is tough on the body.
The NVNA 17s prepared their rolled ankles, twisted knees, strained hamstrings, bleeding feet, sprained wrists, and tired bodies in what was a courageous effort to take on the five games left in the tournament.
"It literally brought tears to my eyes watching them in warm-up, I wanted to take their pain away. They were truly courageous on that third day. I was a proud mumma to be sure," Coach Wassens said.
NVNA 17s played against some extremely physical teams, where certain players would have been better suited to a rugby match.
Staying true to the NVNA standard of sportsmanship, and the game plan, they finished day three undefeated.
"To finish fifth overall was unbelievable. These girls played with a level of maturity beyond their years. I couldn't have asked for more. They will be a team to be reckoned with next year for sure, watch this space!" Coach Wassens said.
