Former Tully netballer, Sasha-May Flegler, starred in the Queensland Under 17 team who finished as National Champions

National Netball Championships held last month at CDU Stadium in Marrara, north of Darwin.

The 38th edition of the championships featured two teams from each state and territory who competed across six days.

Following last year’s Nissan State Titles in Brisbane, selectors initially picked a total of 57 athletes across both squads, and both squads identified travelling teams of 12 players each.

Both teams also featured four training partners.

Flegler, who played in the centre position for the entire semi-final and final, was part of the undefeated Under 17 Queensland team who triumphed with a two-goal victory over defending champions New South Wales.

Led by 32 goals from Tia Crombie, the Rebecca Stower-coached Queensland team overcame a slow start to win the gold medal match, 42 - 40.

Maria Girgenti

FORMER Tully netball star Sasha-May Flegler, who played for the Northern Mendi Rays club at last year’s Nissan State Titles, gained selection in this year’s Queensland 17 and Under squad.

Netball Queensland (NQ) selectors named the 17 and Under and 19 and Under teams who competed at the

Tia Molo and Flegler (centre) provided attacking impetus from the midcourt, which enabled Crombie and goal-attack Kirra Tappenden to keep the score ticking over.

In the semi-final, Queensland snatched a thrilling two-point victory over Western Australia in double extra time.

Results:

Round 1: Qld 70 def Northern Territory 7

Round 2: Qld 43 def Victoria 28

Round 3: Qld 33 def South Australia 25

Round 4: Qld 45 def Western Australia

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Round 5: Qld 42 def Tasmania 17

Round 6: Qld 40 def New South Wales 34

Round 7: Qld 43 def Australian Capital

Territory 23

Semi-final: Qld 45 def Western Australia

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After their team’s gold-medal winning performance at the National Netball Championships in Darwin, Flegler is one of seven from Queensland’s 17 and Under squad who have earned selection in the National Pathways Squad.

Flegler will play alongside Ellie Brice, Holly Comyns, Jada Delaney, Gemma Huchings, Tia Molo and Kirra Tappenden.

A panel of Netball Australia’s Pathway Head Coach Anita Keelan, chair of selectors Michelle Wilkins and selector Jacqui Illman picked these squads.

During the July school holidays, the National Pathways Squad athletes will participate in training camps organised by Netball Australia at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

Lessons

S O much to learn when you train at Tait’s Family Martial defence skills builds more

Training is like sweeping the floor. Just because we’ve done it once, doesn’t mean the floor is clean forever. Every day the dust comes back. Every day we must sweep.

Thursdays State School.