NAMBUCCA Valley representative teams travelled to Forster this month as part of their preparation for this season’s State carnivals. Six teams from Nambucca enjoyed a successful day in warm conditions. The 12s came out on top in a number of games, and experienced some nail-biting encounters. The 13s had a mixed day at the Great Lakes Rep Carnival. There were moments of brilliance with set plays resulting in goals. But on too many occasions they gave the ball straight back to the opposition with questionable passes and basic errors. The girls to their credit always encouraged one another and demonstrated respect to their opposition and officials at all times. The 14s coached by Helen Black, welcomed some new team members this year, and are looking forward to another successful rep season in State Age. 15s coaches Vicki Wassens and Mandy Spear were clear in what they wanted to take from their seven games: “We have some new players to the team, so we wanted to trial combinations and work in our systems. We’re very excited with elements of the girls’ play, and are aware of some things that need tweaking. We’re happy with where we are at this stage of the season, and are excited for where they’ll be as a team by July.” The 17s will have their first experience this year moving up from Junior State Age champs and had a competitive day in Forster. They won five of their six games – a fantastic result. On paper the NVNA Opens side looks promising, but coach Vicki Wassens is still waiting to see what they can do on court, “Other than the addition of a strong new player, I have coached each of these ladies at some stage in their netballing career. I’m ecstatic to have them all in one team, and believe we’ll be sitting toward the top of the ladder at State Champs. The Opens will be working on their contest of the ball over the coming weeks, as well as increasing their fitness and body strength. Nambucca Valley Netball Association will host a Junior Representative Carnival on Sunday, May 6, while valley sides will travel to Newcastle for competition on May 20. The 17s and Opens will compete at the State Championships on the Central Coast over the June Long weekend, while the 12s-15s teams will head to the 50th Anniversary State Age Championships in Sydney on July 7-9. The local Saturday competition will kick off on May 5 and the association is looking forward to another successful year, with clubs Beaches Netball, Bowraville Netball and Rivers Netball competing. If you are interested in getting involved with NVNA head to http://nambuccavalleyna.nsw.netball.com.au/ or https://www.facebook.com/nambuccavalleynetball/ NVNA acknowledges its major sponsor for 2018: John & Jenny Partridge of The Golden Sands Tavern in Nambucca Heads.