ANZ State League joins with Australia Post One Netball

Round 14 of the ANZ State League also features other exciting matchups highlighted by the rematch of the 2014 Grand Final when Cripps and Arrows do battle on Saturday evening. 

Netball in Australia has identified a need to make the game of netball more accessible to the diverse needs of Australia’s population. In addition local clubs and associations will be engaged to establish connections between the netball community and new participants to encourage long term involvement in the sport. Netball Tasmania CEO Julia Phillips said Netball Tasmania is delighted to partner with Australia Post One Netball to use the ANZ State League as a platform to bring netball to diverse populations in Tasmania. 

“Netball Tasmania is delighted to join with Australia Post to make the game of netball more accessible to the diverse needs of Tasmania’s population. One Netball will deliver targeted programs at the local level to provide opportunities for individuals and communities to experience netball in a safe, inclusive and fun environment.” Phillips said 

Netball Tasmanian along with the Hobart Migrant Resource Centre will be running a free come and try One Netball Clinic to provide an opportunity for new and diverse participants to experience the sport of netball prior to Friday nights game between Kingston and Karana at Kingborough Sport Centre. 

Glendon Kingston Blues player Casey Batchelor who’s side faces St Lukes Karana Flames on Friday night is the Tasmanian community ambassador for One Netball. Casey who is of Indigenous background spoke of her pride in being named the community ambassador. 

“It is an honour for me to be an Australia Post One Netball Community Ambassador. I look forward to introducing the wider community to our great game and all the opportunities it has to offer. I hope to help build a diverse and inclusive netball community” Bachelor said. 

Kingston Blues who are currently sitting 7th on the table face a tough test against a Karana side looking to re-establish themselves in the top four after losing to top places Arrows last weekend. Karana won the previous meeting between the two sides by 21 goals 56 to 31 so Kingston will need to vastly improve on that showing to match Karana. Kingston coach Erin Baker acknowledged the challenge Flames present. 

“Karana are a quality and experienced side and are in form at the moment. Last time we played them we were both without key players. The Blues girls are keen to have another run against Karana and produce a consistently strong four quarters this time.” Baker said 

Kingston remains without Laura Elliott due to injury but expect to be at full strength otherwise. 

Myrtle Ridge Northern Hawks host Bellamy’s Organic Cavaliers in the meeting between the two northern rivals. Both northern sides are equal on 16 points in a three way battle for second spot with Cripps so the game takes on an increased significance. Hawks will go in to the game confident of matching Cavaliers having accounted for them in the last local derby 28-19 in a tight affair. 

Northern Hawks will be required to back up on Saturday to face Burnie Tigers in order to make up the game in hand they have on sides above them. Burnie will provide another test of Hawks quality and form as they are known for their persistence in defence and have been competitive all year regardless of opponent. 

Round 14 concludes with a grand final rematch between the unbeaten AYC – Friends Lexus Arrows and Cripps Waratah who sit in 4th spot. The game is of real significance to Cripps who should Karana win as expected Friday night find themselves outside of the finals spots despite having played an extra game. Since defeat to Cripps in last year’s decider Arrows are 13 games unbeaten and sit 5 wins clear atop the table. If Cripps who suffered a 55 to 31 loss to Arrows back in round 4 are to be any chance of a win they will need to limited the influence of Arrows Goal Shooter Sophie Gunn who is averaging 42 goals a game at 87%. 

For the latest result, match details and in depth statistics please view http://my.netball.com.au/go.aspx?&entityid=38951&id=DRAW 

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