Netball action is back

Bluebirds wing attack Anna Reeves directs traffic in mid-court during Bluebirds Falcons Premier League game against Frenchville Flare on Tuesday.

Sharyn Oneill

SOME players are using the new Premier Netball League as a chance to try out for a new club or to test themselves against A-grade players, while others want to have fun and keep fit. Whatever the reason the competition is certain to be a hit.

Round one was played on Tuesday night at CQUniversity with results indicating some good matches with few blowouts.

Claws coach Barb Ahmat was there to overview proceedings as she is on the lookout for players who have the ability to lift to the next level and trial for the Capricorn Claws.

What she saw on Tuesday impressed her.

She said clubs were using the Premier League for the purpose it was intended and that was to test A-Reserve players and youngsters to see if they were up to playing senior competition next year.

"It was good to see Runaways building up again," she said.

The Runaways club was the powerhouse of the Rockhampton competition until a few years ago and Ahmat said the work being done at the club should see it return to the top level of the local competition in years to come.

Clubs such as Colts may not have entered a team but nevertheless were well represented with many of their players turning out for other clubs.

Others tried out in different positions with mid-court player Carmen Anderson having a run at goal attack and shooter Claudia Jones successfully trying out in the defensive circle.

For Ahmat it is a transition period as while she is still in charge of the Claws she no longer coaches a team in the club competition. That does not mean she will be idle.

"My thing this year will be umpire development," she said.

"Our aim is to bring them up to the next level."

This weekend promises to be a big one for netball in Central Queensland with a Stanwell Claws Junior Talent Camp being held at Emerald.

Ahmat said the response from Claws players has been fantastic with eight ready to make the trip west to assist with the camp for 12-13 year old players.

"There will be 65 kids, I'm happy with that," Ahmat said.

The camp is a part of a Stanwell Power Station sponsored program called "Train Well, Play Well" and is aimed to show young players throughout CQ the pathway through to the Claws.

An area all coaches are hoping to improve is in the shooting circle.