FOR any infomercial fans who have ever wondered what Zumba is like, ask the Old Collegians netballers. A grade coach Marg Morgan said her side has been mixing up its trainings, with one session based on Zumba — the dance fitness program which features Latin rhythms. “They actually did it themselves in the clubrooms,” Morgan said. “Our captain Rochelle (Beer) has been doing it quite a bit so she took it. It’s always good to do some different, fun things.”
WHEN it comes to the LOUD championships, Jackie Smedts is a firm believer in getting a good night’s sleep. The Hampden coach has come up with a technique to ensure her 13 and under troops are able to pump out the Zs without any distraction. After some team bonding activities before and after dinner on Saturday, at 9pm she collects arguably the girls’ most prized possession: their mobile phones. The phones are switched off and placed in a box, with the girls then heading to bed. You may think that taking away the treasured technology would cause a stir but it’s proved to be successful. Smedts has guided the side to back-to-back state association titles. In her previous years at the helm, she has collected the phones without notice. “Both times they have looked at me with absolute shock and horror,” she said. “So this time I’ve given them some warning. “It’s worked the past two years I’ve done it. Hopefully they get a good sleep.”
LIKE LOUD Championships Hampden open coach Lorraine English, 17 and under coach Gill Herrmann is not fazed about her players taking to the court for their regular Hampden league home-and-away matches tomorrow. Herrmann believed the players were just as likely to sustain an injury training, while she also highlighted her team’s high fitness levels.
PORT Fairy has opted for a traditional fund-raising scheme to come up with some cash to purchase new uniforms. But it’s probably not the most fitting method. The Seagulls are in the middle of a chocolate drive. Club co-ordinator Jodie Fry jokingly warned in The Moyne Gazette this week that players were advised to sell the chocolates, rather than overindulge. Hopefully no players unwrap so many of those purple Cadbury wrappers that they need a bigger purple and gold (Violet Crumble) uniform come next season. The club is hoping to get the new A-line dresses, with the design already completed. They will be mostly purple with yellow detail. Meanwhile, Warrnambool and District league reigning premier East Warrnambool has rolled out its new A-line dresses.
PORT took advantage of Mininera and District Netball Association’s break last weekend. Co-coach Nicole Dwyer said the Seagulls were able to give Hawkesdale-Macarthur netballer Stephanie Watson a run, with the teenage newcomer impressing in goals. Dwyer expected Watson to fully commit to Port next season.
FOR anyone wondering why there were no representatives from ladder-leader Camperdown in Hampden league’s open LOUD team, it’s because only one player from the undefeated side put their hand up to play. Towering shooter Narelle Welsh, shown above, was initially to be considered but she was unavailable for the qualifying round, which was later cancelled for the open competition. The Magpie was also unavailable for the finals day on Sunday.
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