Nyngan rep teams

Originally published in The Nyngan Weekly

Nyngan Public School's netball team has made it further than ever before in the PSSA Netball rounds.

After defeating Forbes in round three in Dubbo, the team went on to play Orange in round four. Coach Marea Johnson said she is incredibly proud of the team.

Previous teams who made it this far had the benefit of forfeits in earlier rounds, but Ms Johnson said that this year the team had to play every round. Their round three game was a particular standout.

"It was the best game of netball I've seen them play in the time I've been coaching them. They knew what had to do and they did it," Ms Johnson said.

"The team played exceptionally well with fierce, never give up attitude, fast play, and strong determination. Great sportsmanship and skills were evident, [they] are all superstars."

Unfortunately, they weren't able to get the win over Orange in round four, but that didn't disappoint Ms Johnson in the slightest.

"We didn't get up over Orange, they were tall and ours are all little shorties," she laughed.

"They didn't give up, they played right to the end. They played, and played, and played, until that final whistle. They just can't get enough, they love netball. They play, they train, they're very dedicated."

Winning against Forbes 14-9 then losing to Orange 19-5, there was no weak link in the team, with each player filling their role exceptionally.

"Our defence players, Sophie, Charlotte, Taya, Elizabeth, Gracie, and Toby were relentless, with quick reflexes, arms in the air defending the opposition with passion to gain control of the ball. Our attacking team, Matilda, Kalee, Ava, and Gracie, were on fire, fast and confident, composed, often smiling, looked harmless but had strong determination to get our goals in."

The team has been training three or four times a week during lunch breaks and before school. Ms Johnson said that it makes her happy to see how much the team are enjoying netball. She said there are a list of benefits to the students engaging in the team from socialisation to additional health and fitness benefits.

"I'm just so proud of the team. The kids that played on the day trained every single time, turned up to training in lunch and before school.

"I said to them we'll have this week off and after the school holidays we go again back to three days."

Ms Johnson also acknowledged the hard work of students who had been training with the team, helping to strengthen their skills and prepare them for the games.

The team is now looking ahead to the NSW School's Cup which will be held in Orange during August. The knock-out competition will have the team playing multiple games across the day.

"It's good to be training and having fun, I just love it. I love bringing anyone out that wants to play," Ms Johnson said.

Netball has been a popular game at the school recently with students playing teachers in a scratch match last week. Ms Johnson said it was a good bonding opportunity for those involved.

She said the students are already keen for another teacher vs student game and she hopes to see a parent or two involved too.