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2023 NSW 17U & 19U State Teams wrap

20 APR 2023

The 2023 National Netball Championships took place in Darwin and it proved to be a very successful week for NSW’s 17U and 19U State Teams.

While the dream of securing back-to-back gold medal success fell short, there was nevertheless a fine showing from both teams in their respective title defences.

The Championships, which were played from April 11-16 at CDU Stadium in Marrara, once again provided an opportunity for developing athletes, coaches and officials to shine on the Netball Australia pathway.

2023 was the 38th hosting of the Nationals with competing squads from the Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, NSW, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia each taking part in both the 17U and 19U competitions.

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17U TEAM

After winning gold in 2022, the NSW 17U side came close to backing that result up with another title in 2023, only falling short to a brilliant Queensland side in the decider.

Under the leadership of head coach Amber Cross, NSW lost to just one team across the whole tournament and returned with six wins, a draw and two losses to their name.

The matches against the Queenslanders were of the highest quality with the northern neighbours just edging the contests on both occasions to be crowned worthy winners. However, a silver medal showing was a fitting reward for the efforts put in by players, coaches and support staff.

Results

Round 1: NSW 40, Tasmania 19
Round 2: NSW 41, South Australia 25
Round 3: NSW 40, Victoria 40
Round 4: NSW 53, ACT 17
Round 5: NSW 64, Norther Territory 13
Round 6: NSW 34, Queensland 40
Round 7: NSW 43, Western Australia 32
Semi Final: NSW 51, Victoria 38
Grand Final: NSW 40, Queensland 42

Athletes

Allegra Mcdonald (Randwick)
Ellie Hart (Campbelltown District)
Evie Economou (Sutherland Shire)
Hope White (Newcastle)
Isabella Degei (Baulkham Hills Shire)
Kelis Ogle (Liverpool City)
Nevaeh Matenga (Liverpool City)
Nicola Barge (Sutherland Shire)
Olivia Harris (Penrith District)
Sara Kent (St George District)
Skye Thompson (Sutherland Shire)
Yasmeen Janschek (Randwick)

Coaching & support staff

Head Coach: Amber Cross (Wyong District)
Assistant Coach: Colleen Mitchell (Ku-Ring-Gai)
Apprentice Coach: James Mulcare (Baulkham Hills Shire)
Team Manager: Jenny Gage-Traill (Northern Suburbs)
Physiotherapist: Jessica Harrison (Newcastle)
Performance Analyst: Meg Hunt

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19U TEAM

Similar to the 17U team, the NSW 19U side was also defending a National title in Darwin and they backed up last year’s performance with another podium finish by taking home bronze in 2023.

Head coach Jen Wright’s side returned with five win and four losses, but three of those defeats came against the eventual winners South Australia (twice) and Western Australia, who took home silver.

Having lost to Victoria earlier in the tournament by seven goals, NSW showed immense strength to bounce back in the bronze medal match and pip their great rivals by one goal in what was the game of the week.

While the gold medal may have eluded NSW in 2023, the top-three finish was still a wonderful result after a momentous effort from the entire group and their support network.

Results