Introduced last year, the new-look Tamworth women’s A grade competition provided the strong and consistent competition that the top players had been lacking. 

“The A grade women haven’t had a strong competition for a few years. This has given it a jump start,” Tamworth Basketball administrator Peter McDonald said.

As well as sponsoring the competition, the Servies Group are also sponsoring one of the four teams. Matt Salter Construction, JMH Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, and Country Security Solutions have all also jumped on board again. 

The teams, which feature a mix of experience and youth, have been devised via a draft with the senior players from the Thunderbolts State League squad spread around to serve as mentors for the younger players.

Each team also has an appointed coach.

The competition also recognises a couple of former players with the teams playing for the Michelle Storch-Lucy Prior Shield while the player adjudged the most valuable player for the season will receive the Liz Johnsen Shield.

It will get underway on Tuesday.

McDonald advised that they are still accepting nominations for all the TBA competitions. All are set to get underway the last week in February.

TEAMS

Country Security Solutions: Abi Beck, Bronte Chillingworth, Marnie Currey-Stedman, Sienna Kennedy, Jalamari Knox, Bree Luckey, Zoe Rickard, Isabella Riolo, Emily Tudman. Coach  - Stu Balcombe

Matt Salter Constructions: Sophia Barnes, Emma Higgins, Lara Knox,Tshinta Knox, Samantha McCubbin, Isla O’Reilly, Marley Pitt, Lori Rivenell, Grace Whale. Coach -  Robyn Skelton

JMH Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning: Imogen Collett, Anika Earsman, Tamika Humphries, Erin Hansen, Josie Humble, Mia Kennedy, Ruby Murphy, Samantha Schubert, Georgia Sheppard, Taylor Skelton. Coach -  Tony Higgins

Servies: Olivia Barton, Haley Beck, Ronika Brown, Josie Chick, Brooke Hunt, Georgia Griffiths, Zali Humble, Arianna Klein, Angela McCubbin. Coach -  Neil Gaffney