Emily Bandi (Nyngan): one of Nyngan’s top shooters, but Mark took a gamble and put her in the wing positions. She was all over them. Intercept queen and very reliable. Her nan cooks great cakes, too.

Emily Barclay (Nyngan): usually centre court, though with height on her side she found herself shooting a few games. Can run all day and mastered the intercepts and knockdowns.

Bec George (Nyngan): usually defending in the goal circle but played more games at WD. Bec really stepped up a level and was always encouraging when on the sideline.

Maddie Carthew (Nyngan): this girl has arms that never end. She was the opposition’s nightmare in the goal circle. Deservingly she was named Best and Fairest over the three days.

Grace Power (Cobar): the blonde bullet from Cobar played centre court. Very versatile and fit player who knocked down many of the opposition’s balls. Think mum defiantly learnt the rules of netball by the end of the three days!

Mikayla Munns ‘Moo’ (Baradine): awesome defender. She even had a go shooting which she handled with ease. Both older sisters and dad were offering pointers but Moo didn’t need any, she had it all under control.

Emma Kable (Coonabarabran): 12years old and as tall as many of the mums and dads there. Such a quiet, calm player (though her mum says different). Was our main shooter over the three days and won nearly every rebound. Great player to watch.

Mark Beetson (coach): Always reassuring and calm which flowed through to the team. Mark’s hand movements during half time was an art in itself. The girls returned all of Mark’s advice with great teamwork.

Marty Carthew (strapper to the stars): our strapper extraordinaire. Had the ankles strapped up every morning and looked very official with the primary carer tag around his neck.

Joe Bandi (water boy): had those eight water bottles filled to the brim every game. Was warned by wife and daughter not to be too vocal on the sideline. Will definitely have to get you one of those water boy T-shirts next year Joe.

Sue Barclay (manager): when she remembered to do her job she was on top of it all. Couldn’t resist whispering the half-time scores to the girls, out of coach Beetson’s earshot.

The championships started off on the Saturday with a march past. Some of the teams went right out with their marching moves and clothing. Straight into the netball though, and day one saw us with eight games. With this we won four, lost three and had the bye. A couple of the losses were probably ones that we should have won but came away learning a few different tactics for the second and third days. After surviving the first day we found ourselves middle of the ladder which we were quite happy with.

Day two, a huge day of nine games of netball to play. To the girls’ credit they all pitched in and gave it their best, finishing the day with eight wins and one draw. We played a few of the teams we had already played at previous carnivals, which helped with positioning our players. We trampled on three coastal teams which looked pretty swish. Wollondilly thought they would have a walk in the park against us but unfortunately for them they lost. The last I heard they were going home to get their maps out to see where on earth our girls came from. End of day two had us equal fourth with a few others on the ladder.

Day three the girls knew they had to perform well as they were playing some very well- drilled teams. A couple of the mums and dads had previously sussed out the opposition and reported back with what they thought would work. Thankyou Murray, Maria and Noeline.

After 2 easy games first up, we then played Mt Druitt. Very fast and you could tell they trained weekly. It was tight all game with the end score being a draw. The girls were thrilled and it was pleasing to hear the Mt Druitt coach come up and congratulate the girls. She knew where they were from and how they couldn’t train together and told them to be very proud of themselves. This they were. Second last game of the Championships was against the undefeated team of Tamworth. They had 2 of the tallest defenders and a GA that didn’t miss too many goals. Yet again though, Group 14 rallied together and gave it everything, eventually going down 15-14.

After word reached us that we were on a countback with Mudgee for runners-up, we could not believe it. This team from the bush, made up of 4 little towns, did not have 1 training session due to the distances, first time at State Age was in contention for second place.

If you heard a rumble in the sky on Monday afternoon about 4pm, it wasn’t thunder, it was all of the girls screaming when their team was announced as RUNNERS_UP. A moment to treasure for them. Good on you girls, good things come to good people and each one of you deserved all you achieved.

Before ending a few THANKYOUS to many people. Nerida Morrison for believing the girls could do it. Group 14 committee for supporting the girls. Mum’s, Dad’s, Aunties, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters and Grandparents for cheering on the girls, scoring their games and feeding everyone, it was a tremendous effort. Mark, Marty and Joe - THANKS. Emma, Emma, Emily, Emily, Grace, Soph, Bec, Moo and Maddie, thankyou for the great experience you gave us all to watch you girls grow as a team and do yourselves, your team and your towns proud.