Comprising of players in the Wimmera-Mallee region, which includes the Wimmera Netball Association, Horsham District league and North Central Netball Association, 17 and under and 15 and under teams competed.

Ararat’s Racquel Scott and Stawell’s Madi Taylor were selected in the 15 and under team while Swifts’ Drew Smith competed in the 17 and under team.

Although plagued with illness during the 2018 season, Scott finished as equal 15 and under A best and fairest, club best and fairest and also qualified in the Ararat A grade side.

“I was hesitant to try out for the team due to my illness. I’m glad I did, it was a good way to finish off the season,” she said.

Scott played in her usual position of defence, but took on the opportunity to play goal attack.

“It was good fun to mix it up and try a new position,” she said.

The team had a great Saturday, winning its first three games and finishing the day with six wins and three losses.

Sunday proved to be much harder for the side, losing all eight games. 

Taylor said the chance to play in a higher level competition was a really good opportunity.

“The ability to gel with other players is a really important if you want to develop your netball skills,” she said.

Read more: Squads announced for Wimmera-Mallee netball

“We all got on really well and it was great to make new friends from other clubs.” 

Taylor played in mid-court during the weekend, similar positions to where she plays at her home club.

Smith, who performed her debutante the night before, said the weekend was a success.

“For the small amount of training we did compared to some other regions, the team did really well,” she said.

“Other teams have trained all year and it was a great feeling – to only lose some of our games between one and five goals,”.

2018 was Smith’s second year of representative netball.

Last year Smith represented Ballarat Central Highlands and said both years provided a great opportunity to play under other coaches and with different team members.

“It was such a supportive environment. I learnt so much. Even playing on different oppositions was great experience,” she said.

The 17 and under girls finished 10th overall with eight wins and nine losses. Stawell’s Dakota Cosson was named in the 15 and under team but was unavailable.

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