State Under-21 player Nicole Lendich (centre) in action.
Camera IconState Under-21 player Nicole Lendich (centre) in action. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Locals help WA to fourth at nationals

Lynn GriersonHills Avon Valley Gazette

The team included local players Nicole Lendich and Jessica Anstiss, who also play for the Darling Range Netball Region.

WA achieved fourth place in Launceston on Sunday after a challenging start to the tournament.

Under the guidance of head coach Karly Guadignan, the players saved their best netball for the back half of last week to qualify for the weekend finals.

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The highlight came on Friday when WA produced their most complete performance of the championships to defeat defending champions South Australia by 11 goals, and secure a place in the top four.

Under pressure, the WA players were unable to overcome Victoria in the grand final qualifier, before being defeated by Queensland in a hard fought third place playoff.

The fourth place finish was an improvement on last year’s fifth at the National Netball Championships in Caloundra, Queensland.

“We are extremely proud of the entire team,” Netball WA chief executive Simon Taylor said.

“To see them rally after a difficult first few games was particularly impressive, and indicative of the spirit synonymous with WA Netball.”

The players will switch their attention to the upcoming Australian Netball League and Smarter than Smoking the West Australian Netball League seasons.