After becoming a force in the Netball NSW Metro League, the Illawarra district is chasing more success at the State Age Championships this weekend.
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Illawarra sit on top of the division one standings after 12 rounds of the Metro League and also leading division six.
They’re also third in division four, after winning division five last year.
A number of the top Illawarra juniors who will feature at this weekend’s state titles at Liverpool have also pushed into the Metro League ranks.
Illawarra committee member Meg Thompson was optimistic the representative teams, from under 12s to under 15s, would be among the best at the carnival.
“It’s pretty full on, playing 19 games in three days,” she said.
“So you can never be quite sure with so many other strong associations playing, but the girls have done really well in the representative squads and development squads this year.
“It’s helped having some of the older girls coming into the Metro League, it’s helped develop their game playing in such a competitive league.
“Hopefully they’ll be able to take that experience into the state age games this weekend.”
Kiama has also tasted recent success, winning the under 15 division three title last year.
Illawarra coaches and officials were delighted with a third place finish in the under 17 championships last month, behind two junior powerhouse Sydney divisions Manly-Warringah and Penrith.
Earlier this year, Illawarra announced a new partnership with UTS Sparks, who play in the Premier League, the state’s top competition, in a bid to form a player pathway to the elite ranks.
STATE AGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
At Liverpool (Saturday-Monday)
Illawarra squads
Under 15s: Jessica Almond, Isabella Bortolazzo, Selene Chadrawy, Aishah Muhummed, Sophie Rodwell, Ruby Sargent-Wilson, Lilly Sellers, Zoe Smith, Molly Sumner, Tailah Wagner.
Under 14s: Mia Evans, Taylah Flack, Ivy Hughes, Imogen Lowe, Hayley Magro, Dakota Mason, Claudia McGoldrick, Zali Moore, Georgie Moustoukis, Emily Steele.
Under 13s: Daniella Avtarovski, Tamsyn Cashman, Ayla Clark, Larissa Clarke, Gabrielle Eaton, Chelsea Jones, Bella Lachlan, Molly Mills, Rangitaiki Pohatu, Alyssa Wiggins.
Under 12s: Lauren Bancroft, Sophie Costin, Alexa Gammone, Mikayla Langer, Herewaka Pohatu, Elanore Rapley, Kasey Reh, Haleigh Tunstall, Isabella Wood, Zali Phrakaysone.