FOUR Tamworth teams are shooting for glory this weekend as the huge State Age Netball Championships tip off in Illawarra.
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The city will be represented in four age groups from U12s through to U15s and, while all four sides are looking for gold, Tamworth rep co-ordinator Nichole Corby said that every year the girls aim to finish top ten.
The sides have been together and preparing since they were selected from three trial days in October last year.
“The teams have been training and preparing with carnivals since October,” Corby said.
“We took a bit of a different approach this year and the teams have all changed a fair bit.”
Part of that approach was a team bonding weekend at the Coffs Harbour carnival late last year.
All four junior sides plus the senior sides, including the U17s that recently won their state age championship, went for the weekend, with two sides – the U13s and that U17 side – finishing undefeated.
“We have been taking the sides to a few more carnivals this year to get them used to so much court time,” Corby said.
“There are going to be some sore and tired girls come Monday night.”
The teams will head off today and play up to eight games each on all three days of the round robin carnival, with around 20 sides in each division, before the winners are declared on Monday afternoon.
While all four sides have a great chance of winning their respective divisions, the U15s have big boots to fill, after last year’s side finished second before graduating to winners in the U17s this year.
“There is a lot of talent through the teams this year and they are all really excited to be going,” Corby said.
“They all have a great chance and we wish them all the best for a successful and fun weekend.”