Mainland Netball Zone Announce U23 Team

Mainland Netball Zone Announce U23 Team

Media Alert: June 14, 2013

Mainland Netball Zone is proud to announce the Mainland Netball Zone Under 23 team to compete at next month’s inaugural U23 NZ Age Group Championships in Wellington. Mainland Selectors were spoilt for choice with each position hotly contested during trials held over the past few weeks.

The Mainland Netball U23 team is:
Shooters
Sophia Fenwick – Tactix, NZ U21 team
Liz Hayman – Tactix, NZ U21 squad
Sarah Hayman – Tactix train on squad, NZ U21 Squad
Gemma Hazeldine - Tactix train on squad, NZ U21 Team
Mid Court
Jess Drummond - Tactix Train Squad
Terauoriwa Harding
Kirsten Hurley - Tactix, NZ U21 Squad
Chloe Williamson
Defence
Lucy Gunn
Gemma Hogan
Moniek van Rossum
Jane Watson - Tactix
Team Management
Coach – Nic Kelly (former Tasman NC Coach)
Assistant coach – Rachel Parkin
Manager – Tracy Barron

Mainland Netball U23 Coach Nic Kelly says she’s thrilled with the calibre of players this year.

“We’ve got a good mix of experience and young players coming through," Kelly said, "we’ve got great strength in the shooting circle and good height at the defensive end.”

Four players will join the U23 team from the EasiYo Tactix right before the U23 NZ Age Group Championships. With the Tactix players being unavailable for the recent U23 warm-up tournaments, Kelly says it’s been the perfect opportunity for others in the squad to get on court in the lead-up.

“It’s great for Mainland Netball as we want to grow a bigger base of players. These girls are getting out on court for the lead-up tournaments and gaining exposure which is a real bonus for them and for us,” Kelly said.

The U23 Netball Mainland Zone squad have all played at U21 level for Canterbury so the combinations and links are apparent throughout the team. A few players to keep an eye out for; shooters Gemma Hazeldine and Sarah Hayman who are both in the NZU21 wider squad.

Tactix and NZ U21 player Zoe Walker was unavailable for selection due to NZ U21 rehabilitation requirements.

The U23 NZ Age Group Championships takes place from the 15-18th July at the ASB Stadium in Wellington.

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