Dangerous winds threatened to force the abandonment of the event, but Illawarra overcame the setbacks and hosted a tremendously successful NSW State Age Netball Championships at Berkeley.
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Gale-force winds last Saturday night wrecked the players' tent city and left Netball NSW considering cancelling the event.
But with more than 150 teams competing in 12 years, 13s, 14s and 15s, the championships went ahead, with Illawarra outstanding hosts on and off the court.
In their first year of the State Age Championships, the Illawarra 12s were magnificent, finishing equal fourth but fifth on countback after 19 games in three days.
Every player made a contribution, with shooter Lara Chiodo, mid-court player Cartia Taranto, plus Ella Chiodo and Keeley Kopara outstanding.
Illawarra lost by just two goals to runners-up Baulkham Hills, with coach Cath Jones and her assistant Emma Paul and manager Ros Sulcs all delighted with the team's performances.
The 13s earned a return to the elite championship division in 2015 by finishing equal first with Parramatta in division two.
Coach Elyse Edney, her assistant Ashlee Scofield and manager Karen Small thanked the support of parents and friends for lifting the girls to the top of the division.
The Illawarra 14s finishing a commendable eighth after a mixed weekend of great wins and tough losses.
The team's tenacity was a hallmark, pleasing coach Peiti Haines, her assistant Ryan Johnson and manager Helena Sanchez with their performances in trying conditions.
The Illawarra 15s farewelled four years of the championships with an excellent seventh placing.
Goal keeper Levana Wayne-Boyle was an inspiration, with mid-courter Jade Wilson and shooters Abby Golub plus Laura Davenport standouts for the team.
Coach Elizabeth Osborne, her assistant Kate Tonacia and manager Cathy Hoddle were proud of the team's efforts.
Illawarra officials worked hard in the toughest of conditions to ensure the championships ran as smoothly as possible.
A number of NSW Swifts players, including Kimberley Green, Abby McCullough and Sharni Layton, lent their support as did Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbury and state MP Noreen Hay.
The championships winners for 2014 are Manly (12 years), Newcastle (13 years), Liverpool (14 years) and Sutherland (15 years).
