North Central's elite take to court

NORTH Central will be represented in the open, 17-under and 15-under competitions at this weekend’s V/Line State Netball Titles in Melbourne. A year ago, North Central’s open team reached the finals and was beaten by the evenutal champions.The Melissa Ryan coached-team has drawn players from Maryborough, Echuca and Bendigo.The 17-under team will again be coached by Echuca’s Kerryn Evans.Many of the 17-under players were on court in senior A grade matches this season.Evans has worked hard on building teamwork, and the squad will have a training session tonight.The under-15s will be coached by Steve Tyzzer, who was in charge of Sandhurst’s A grade team in the Bendigo FNL and Falcons at the Bendigo Strathdale Netball Association. North Central was runner-up in the 15-under competition at last year’s state title.Many of the players contested finals throughout the region in September.They have played against the Open team to build their skills in tight situations and are working well as a combined team. North Central region will be well represented in the umpiring stakes at the V/Line State Titles. Kaye Wellington, Sheree Heard, Sue Batey, Kylie Pearce and Alyssa Cole will be representing North Central Netball region. This group of umpires officiated in many finals and are excited about the prospect of umpiring many of the best in Victoria. The umpires will be assessed throughout the tournament and be working hard towards gaining further knowledge and experience as well as hopefully the opportunity to umpire finals on Sunday afternoon.North Central’s teams to compete at the state titles:Open - Jessica Geary, Lauren Cowling, Renee Campbell, Ashlee Lierich, Kasey Lawrence, Claire Gibbs, Alicia McGlashen, Louise Dupuy, Elli McGrath.Coach: Melissa Ryan. Manager: Elli McGrath.17-and-under - Lilly Walsh, Jordan MacIlwain, Brianna Dalrymple-Monro, Gabrielle Green, Olivia Thomas, Abby Gilmore, Georgina Crowe, Bridie Crowe, Charlotte Long, Stephaine Reeves.Coach: Kerryn Evans. Manager: Julie Lomas.15-and-under - Chloe Watson, Amy Jackman, Jacqueline Dupuy, Ella Savy, Olivia Jones, Carly Geary, Jarnie Hansen, Chelsie Robinson, Chloe Egan.Coach: Steve Tyzzer. Manager: Raelene Baker.