AFTER winning an unprecedented 19th consecutive Central West State League title last month, Orange now faces a situation it has rarely, if ever, faced during its reign.
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Orange starts its Inter-Regional State League title defence at Anne Clark Netball Centre today, devoid of four of its most important players.
Defenders Sheryll Selwood and Sophie Kloosterman, centre-court star Jacky Lyden and shooter Erin Johnstone are all unavailable, with young guns Katie Eslick, Brooke Burcher, Kirstin McIntyre and Abby Tilburg taking their places.
Eslick, High A’s linchpin during the 2014 Orange Toyota Cup, said she expects Orange’s dominance to continue with the added element of youth.
“I’m a bit nervous at the moment,” she laughed.
“But I’m pretty excited to get the chance to play with the top level players again. It is a great opportunity.
“We’ve still got plenty of experienced girls. This is only my first year at this competition, obviously, but I would think the sides we’re playing will be tougher than last year’s.
“We just need to adjust (to the strength of each team) and we should do well.”
Orange coach Trini Allen echoed her new shooter’s sentiments before heaping praise on all four inclusions.
“It will be tough for them, but I have faith in them or they wouldn’t have been picked,” she said.
“It’s just about getting the combinations right. It will be tough, but I think we will definitely do well and we have a massive chance at winning it again.
“Katie’s calmness, along with her height in the circle are massive factors for us. The other girls all have attributes which will be positive for us too.”
Orange will compete with Newcastle, Grafton, Tamworth and Hastings Valley today and tomorrow.
ORANGE: Sophie Beer, Katie Eslick, Sinead Davis, Brooke Burcher, Shannen Downer, Tegan Dray, Danielle Turner, Kirsten McIntyre, Abby Tilburg.
