Train hard on the court and be prepared to go the extra mile for state selection, says Port Macquarie netball duo Jasmine Hyde and Cian Leahy.
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The pair were part of Hastings Valley Netball's U17s victory against Great Lakes in the division one final of the Netball NSW Regional League tournament in Port Macquarie earlier this month.
During the competition both players were selected in the prestigious 2020 Regional League State Cup team.
Jasmine, a 17-year-old goal attack and goal shooter for the side said the team had made improvements during the competition.
"We had a rocky start and we lost to the first two teams but we got better as the carnival went on," she said.
"As the day progressed we were a strong team and we won. Cian and I were selected this time during the first year we have been eligible for it.
"When Cian is in the centre there are interceptions all day and she's the one you rely on to take every second lead down the court. She has the footwork and she runs the court from every end."
The year 11 Newman Senior Technical College student said the pair regularly trains and undertakes gym sessions to improve their own on court performance. Both play for Port Saints and have previously trained with the North Coast Academy of Sport.
Cian, a year 12 student at MacKillop College plays as a wing defence and centre for the under 17s team.
"It was a big confidence boost to win and be selected coming back into netball. We hadn't played much during COVID and it was a surprise. It was like 'oh we've still got it," she said.
"It's hard as a regional area player to be exposed to those fast paced games played in Sydney, but it seems like each year we get better and there's no reason to stop now.
"We train three times a week, play twice a week as a team and have carnivals on Saturday and Sunday during a full season. We also both go to the gym together as a way to personally keep really fit.
"I think that extra work makes us move better. Our movements are sharper and after going to the gym you can see the results on the court.
"Jasmine works the circle well, but she is very strong when she holds and gets any ball. Shooting outside the circle she can get any shot in and when she is in the circle it's very hard to defend her," said Cian.
During the competition held on August 9, the Hastings Valley Netball Association faced off against teams from Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Taree and Great Lakes.
Regional teams are usually selected for the State Cup each year to play off against other regional winners in Sydney. However the cup has been postponed this year.
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