GERRINGONG Public School students have the competitive world of netball talking after qualifying for two statewide competitions this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The girls will travel to Anne Clark Netball Centre at Lidcombe to take on the state's best in two different competitions over two days in the hope of bringing home the school's first netball silverware.
"When you look at the school's sporting record over many years, it has been rugby league, touch football and hockey that has probably dominated, but this year it is the netball team's turn and the girls are keen to make sure they are ready for the challenge," coach Jenny Dougall said.
"On Monday [September 15] we will be part of the PSSA statewide finals against the seven other schools, while on Tuesday it will be a similar situation in the Schools Cup competition.
"One of the biggest thrills is that we are one of only two schools to make it through to the finals in both competitions, which is a massive effort."
To reach the PSSA finals they downed Minnamurra, Kiama, Shell Cove, Illaroo Road and Bowral to make the South Coast final, where they beat Jerrabomberra. The Schools Cup was decided through a series of gala days, whereby they won the Nowra and Queanbeyan events.
Team member Carla O'Meley said the whole team was excited about the challenge.
"We have a really good bond in our team - most of us play in the same team for Gerringong on Saturdays and we are best friends - I think that type of bond makes it easier," Carla said.
Mrs Dougall refused to take credit for their success, saying it was a team effort.
"Debbie Cairns is the girls' usual weekend coach and she has been great, while Sarah Hall has also been up for coaching sessions, and my daughter Anna has come away as our umpire."
It has been a busy week for the girls, with all 10 playing Kiama Netball grand finals on Saturday before the two days in Sydney, and some of the players will back up as part of the school's touch football team on Thursday.