Monaro High School student Ellen Peters believes winning is the best feeling despite her netball team rarely experiencing the euphoria of sporting triumph. This fact will not detract from the students’ excitement of being one of six girls who will fly the flag for their region when the State Netball Championships commence on July 11 in Sydney.

St Patrick’s School students Kate Connolly, Maggie Keegan, Sophie Mayhew and Anushka Enston will join forces with Monaro High’s Ellen Peters and Staci Paine to play 20-odd matches against players from across the State.

The six students will compete in the Under 14 Division 3 competition and will be joined by Jindabyne Central School student Lizzy Beaver and four Camden players in the side.

The Cooma students were unable to field a team on their own accord because there was not enough interest show. Last weekend the team played in a representative carnival in Campbelltown and teamed up with the Camden players for the first and only time before the state championships.

The team only managed to win one game despite losing a few games by the narrowest of margins.

The team is coached by SERAS Netballer and Monaro High School student Debbie Wharton. Team member Ellen Peters is excited by the tournament ahead.

“It gives us a chance to represent our town at a state wide event and to play at that level.

She said there would be other bonuses on top of this.

“It will be good to play with other people. It’s a great way to keep fit and active,” she said.

Coach Debbie Wharton said in her coaching she tried to ensure the girls improved their skills in a fun and enjoyable manner. Both Ellen and Debbie witnessed some coaches taking the games way too seriously in Campbelltown last weekend and Debbie said her side had a more relaxed approach.

“The best way to improve skills is to encourage. If you get too much abuse at this age then it will discourage the girls from wanting to play in the future,” she said.

Last year the side came away with 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. Player Sophie Mayhew said meeting new people during the event would be a real bonus.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the girls from Camden. It will be a great to play with them and learn new teamwork skills,” she said.