James Murphy
AFTER a year away from the senior competition, the Western Border Netball Association will return to the Netball SA Country Championships this weekend in Adelaide.
In 2022 the association did not take a senior team to the annual event due to player availability, but the former champions will re-enter the fold with a point to prove.
Millicent’s Michelle Skeer takes on the coaching duties and she will instruct what is a young, yet talented team.
Five of the six WBNA clubs are represented and Skeer said she is quietly confident in the girls despite their youth.
Casterton Sandford’s Madalene Cleary will bring experience to the court and will lead by example in defence.
“She has played seniors previously and has played in a winning Western Border Country Champs team before,” Skeer said.
She will be joined by young-guns Ellie Bouchier and Portia McRae in defence, while down the other end there is some more exciting young talent.
“Sarah Ritter from West is obviously going to be a goal shooter,” Skeer said.
“She will definitely be one to watch.
“Alyssa Duncan from South is another goalie and we also have Casey Horrigan from East.
“That is going to be the goal line.”
West Gambier is well represented and Mikaela Horrigan and Tara Bryant will rule the mid court.
“We have seen (Tara) dominate at Western Border level and I am really looking forward to seeing her play at Country Champs level,” Skeer said.
South Gambier’s Zoe Duncan concludes the roster and she will likely slot into a defensive role.
Despite the youth of the side, Skeer said there is no shortage of carnival experience within its ranks.
“A lot of those players have played junior (Country Championships),” she said.
“They are all quite respected and certainly hold their own at A Grade level in Western Border.
“It is great they have put their hand up to represent the association and enable Western Border to have a team.”
The team had a training session in Mount Gambier on Wednesday night in preparation for the weekend, with Skeer looking forward to the event.
“I am excited,” she said.
“You get to play inside, you get to play against high-level teams and these players get to challenge themselves.
“I am quietly confident the girls will do really well.”
The team will kick off its Country Championships with three games Saturday morning in Pool A.
They will then play two games on Sunday morning, before the Pools merge for finals in the afternoon.
WBNA Senior team
Sarah Ritter (West), Alyssa Duncan (South), Casey Horrigan (East), Mikaela Horrigan (West), Tara Bryant (West), Madalene Cleary (Casterton Sandford), Ellie Bouchier (South), Portia McRae (Millicent), Zoe Duncan (South).