WHEN you see North Warrnambool Eagles’ Skye Billings, usually her twin sister Jordyn Billings isn’t too far away. It wasn’t the case when Skye tried out for the Victorian under 15 schoolgirls’ side. Because Jordyn broke her arm last year, she missed out on selection in the Western Zone Academy and subsequently wasn’t able to trial for schoolgirls. “We do everything together,” Skye said. “It was really weird trying out without her. I don’t really know anyone in the team.” While it’s going to be unusual not having her sister by her side, Skye was looking forward to meeting new people through the schoolgirls team, which will attend the national championships in Queensland in July. Skye’s selection marks the 14-year-old Emmanuel College student’s debut in a state netball team. Victoria will hold about four training sessions leading up to the titles. Because the sessions are on Friday nights and Saturdays, Skye, a shooter, will be forced to miss several matches for the Eagles.
WESTERN Border Netball Association will send three junior teams to the LOUD Championships qualifying round in Warrnambool on Sunday, with all aiming for a top-two finish. Jody Roth, who took charge of the triumphant 17 and under Hamilton team in Western Regional State League, will coach the 17 and under interleague team, which has height in the goal circle and a speedy mid-court. Players are Clara Sheppard, Meg Hol (Portland), Anastasia Hamill, Alice and Sarah Langley, Ellen and Claire Block (Hamilton), Amelia Ross and Tamzin Perkins (Imperials). Rose Wombwell was appointed 15 and under coach. The team is made up of Gorgia Sealey, Katherine Jarrad, Marlee Gartlan, Shanae Guthrie (Casterton), Laura Burdack (Portland), Melinda Markiewicz, Morgan Amy, Brianna Fallard (East Gambier), Georgie Gough (Hamilton) and Pippin Ellis (Millicent). Leanne Outtram is the 13 and under coach. The side includes Tayla Guthrie, Liza Mutch, Tori Perry (Casterton), Claire Outtram (Portland), Emily Langley (Hamilton), Jamie Whan, Danika Jolley (North Gambier), Ebony Milich (Imperials) and Lucy and Alex Walker (Millicent).
NETBA LL Australia and beyondblue have teamed up for Blue Month, which aims to raise awareness about depression, anxiety and related disorders in the netball community. Netballers are encouraged to turn blue during June by holding a blue-themed game. Teams and associations can go to www.beyondblue.org.au for free resources and information on how to make the month a success.
YOU can witness part of the beyondblue initiative. A Festival of Stars celebrity match — which includes Liz Ellis and Luke Darcy — has been organised to support beyondblue and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. South Warrnambool is taking a bus to the match in Melbourne, which is a curtain-raiser to the clash between last year’s trans-Tasman Championship grand finalists Melbourne Vixens and Adelaide Thunderbirds. A bus will leave South at 9am on June 6 and will return about 8pm.
The trip aims to help South raise funds for new uniforms. Tickets are $40 for under 13s and 15s and $50 for under 17s and adults. Anyone interested in attending the double header should contact Leah Kermeen on 0401 177 171.
WARRNAMBOOL and District Football Netball League’s most vaulable player award is about to enter a top secret stage. The league has released the top 12 players but how many votes they have attracted is confidential. The mystery will increase even more, with the entire leaderboard to be kept secret within the next month or so. The MVP award sees coaches hand out votes to the opposing team. The top 12 players after six rounds — in no particular order — are Rachel Mungean (Timboon Demons), Rhiannon Davis (South Rovers), Liz Byrne (Allansford), Kristen Smits (Russells Creek), Jodie Maybery (Old Collegians), Steph Townsend (Old Collegians), Anna Delaney (Nirranda), Lauren Carlin, Sarah Madden (Kolora-Noorat), Jess Cox (Deakin University), Vicky Lumsden and Vanessa Thornton (Dennington).
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