Castlemaine District Netball Association (CDNA) was proud to have five local representatives take part in the Netball Victoria State Titles 17 & Under Male division at the State Netball Centre in Parkville on October 7.
In a local first talented young sportsmen Jack Davidge, Caleb Mountford, Nick Lord, Liam Fletcher and Xave Guzzardi-Taylor were proud to represent the North Central region against five other regions from across the state in the 17 & Under competition.
The North Central side was led by respected local coach Vanessa Saunders with the CDNA providing the squad’s official team shirts for the competition.
It was a long held dream for Saunders to field a local men’s side in the state event and she was delighted to see it become a reality.
The North Central region were invited to field a team three weeks out from the event. Organisers had been impressed by the efforts of the local squad at the Association Championships in June where they made the grand final.
Ms Saunders said it was a quick turn around but the boys put their hands up, put in the work and did extremely well to record one win over Gippsland, one loss by the narrowest margin of just one goal against the LaTrobe Valley, and only just missed out on the finals finishing fifth overall.
“It was a terrific effort considering most of the other sides comprised state and national players which train and play on a weekly basis,” she said.
Local team member Jack Davidge was proud to captain the side and said that it was a good opportunity to play against some of the best players from across the state.
“It was a great experience and we learnt a lot to help us improve in the future,” Jack said.
Teammate Nick Lord said as a country side it was terrific to have the chance to play at that level.
“It was very inspiring and we hope to return and take the next step in 2024,” he said.
The CDNA was proud to also have local netballers Lani Taylor and Alanna Fletcher represent North Central in the 15 & Under Women’s and Eden Clifford and Megan Wilson in the 17 & Unders. Local coach Tegan Maddern was also assistant coach for the 15 & Under side, whilst Chantelle Ramsey did a terrific job as the 17 & Under Boys squad umpire.
