BAULKHAM Hills’ Waratah Cup division one netball side might boast state and national representatives but they know they’ll be tested tomorrow.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Sydney side will be in Orange tomorrow for a busy visit which will culminate in an exhibition match against Orange’s State League (1) side.
Baulkham Hills is favoured to win the match but coach Briony Akle knows it will be challenging.
“We’re definitely not going in there thinking it will be easy,” Akle said.
“I remember playing with Mardi (Aplin) and she’s tough. These girls are going to be tough.”
Akle said her players are keen to come to Orange to run some coaching clinics for junior players and then get on the court themselves for the exhibition game.
“I think it’s great the girls get to travel together and play different teams,” Akle explained.
“We might beat them but it will be a different experience and a different venue. Our season starts in a month so it’s a great training game. They’re actually helping us out.”
Those who watch the exhibition game will get to see some top talent.
The Baulkham Hills side boasts Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holders Kristina Brice, Gabrielle Simpson and Alix McDermott.
Brice, who stands at 196cm tall, is impressive before she even steps onto the court.
“She’s a shooter and her height is a real advantage,” Akle explained.
“This is her second year in state league so she’s relatively inexperienced.
“Another talented player to watch for is Gabi Simpson. She plays defence and mid-court. She’s also in the AIS this year. One day I think she’ll play for Australia. She can do amazing things.”
Unfortunately NSW Swifts player Sam May will not make the trip due to her representative commitments.
But Akle said there will still be plenty of talent on display.
“She’s not there but I have 11 others who are just as fired up to get on the court,” she said.
The Baulkham Hills players will run skills camps for junior players during the day at Orange PCYC before holding an open training session from 4-5pm.
At 5.30pm the exhibition match will be played.
Members of the public can watch the training session and exhibition game for a small charge which will be donated to HeartKids.
