The Dubbo under-17 netball team has continued on its winning way, taking out the division one competition of the Dubbo Netball Representative Carnival.
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The girls won nine consecutive matches on Sunday to extend their winning streak to 31 matches.
Manager Bernadette Allen said the success is deserved after the girls have been training three days per week since November in preparation for the State Championships.
Their undeniable commitment to their training is being reflected with their results on the court.
This year the Dubbo side embarked on additional fitness sessions as well as weights training under the guidance of Mark Garling.
Garlings' input has given the side a significant edge especially towards the end of matches where the players' fitness is evident.
Coach Sharon Edmunds endorsed Allen's assessment of the team.
"I am really happy for the girls. Their achievements so far this season have been awesome," she said.
"The girls are definitely fitter and stronger than ever before and the unity of the team is just incredible. Their achievements so far have caught the eye of some of the powerhouses of netball in NSW Country. "However we are not getting too carried away with the current success and it is now time to refocus on our main objective, which is the State Championships next weekend in Wollongong.
"There we will play 21 games over three days and every game will be a tough assignment.
"I am expecting the likes of Woy Woy, Wagga Wagga and City of Sydney to all have really strong and physical teams. I am confident though that our girls can match it with the best of them and our team cohesion and fitness will provide us with an advantage."
Assistant coach Tash Tehiko-Watts believes one of the best things about the team is its versatility.
"We are fortunate that each of the girls can play in a number of positions which provides us with many options. We have really strong defensive players in Tara Parkinson, Brittany Hangan, Courtney Granger and Hannah Allen," she said.
"These girls have won many games for us by not allowing the opposition to get the ball into the goal circle. Our centre court players are really quick and sharp.
"Grace Pilon, Maddi Alderdice and Chloe Parkins challenge every pass and provide an explosive link between our defence and attack. The shooters are on fire at the moment. They have worked together to ensure opportunities are not wasted when the ball enters the goal circle. Olivia Thompson has been solid under the post and rarely misses an opportunity.
"Abbie Merritt has been outstanding, landing goals from all over the goal circle, Georgia Larkin has been improving with every match and is capable of shoot long range goals while Ally Mclean shows great ability in getting away from the goal keeper and converting her opportunities."
The under-17 team and Dubbo Open side leave for Wollongong on Friday morning to contest the State Championships which will be hosted by the Berkley Club.
