ORANGE took out the Netball NSW State Championship last year, along with a host of other competition wins, and, as a result, was announced as the 2014 Orange Credit Union Sporting Team of the Year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Orange had been the best team in the central west for the better part of two decades, and forced themselves into the upper echelon in the state thanks to the championship division win in the side’s second year in the top grade, claiming the Pat Weston OAM Country Champions Cup - for the highest place rural side - along the way.
Although considered to be different teams in netball circles, Orange’s 19th consecutive Central West State League victory was also considered as was its second placing at the GrainCorp Inter-Region State League, where the side lost out to Newcastle.
Almost the entire team was on hand to accept the award at Monday night’s awards ceremony at Orange Civic Theatre, which Orange assistant coach Trini Allen said had come as a surprise despite the bumper year.
“We did have a big year, but this one is such a big deal because the [State Championships] is such a tough tournament to do well in,” Allen said.
“We were up against a lot of really worthy nominees, like [Orange’s] under 10 girls’ touch team (which won the 2014 NSW Touch Junior State Cup).
“They did a wonderful job to do so well, all the nominees did, so it was a surprise for us. But we’re all very proud and honoured to win. We were surprised just to be nominated, so we made sure we had as many of the team at the awards night as possible.
“The state title came on the back of a lot of hard work, netball is tough to break into against the metropolitan teams, so to get this kind of acknowledgement in our town is just great.”
Orange had previously claimed the division two state title in 2012, and finished third in the championship grade in 2013, markedly improving to claim the top prize last year.
The State Championships team was brimming with talent, and experience, with Em Callaway, Sophie Beer, Danielle Turner, Erin Johnstone, Narelle Taylor, Sheryll Selwood, Leanne Trefry, Amanda Hurford, Mardi Aplin, Tegan Dray and Jacky Lyden joining Allen, with Jo Duffy and Toot Keegan also on board taking care of the coaching and managing duties.