Netball’s youngsters are up to it, says coach

NEVER has Barrie Emanuel seen premier netball so fiercely contested in Townsville.

The Highlanders coach has guided his team to two wins from their three games – both decided by three goals or less.

It is a common theme across the competition – just ask Neptunes, who have gone down in closely-fought nailbiters in the past two matches.

But it is in these tight contests that Emanuel is able to see the development of his charges three years into the coaching job.

He said the intensity of competition was a credit to the efforts each club have put into developing their youth players over a prolonged period.

“I remember my first season as premier league coach and I had 15-year-old kids in my team,” Emanuel said.

“That level of composure maturity and self-belief just wasn’t there.

“This year, when games are on the line they show a lot of character and belief to know they play to the last whistle.

“We’re a very fit team … and in that last five minutes that fitness has held us in good stead.

“The competition is that close it’s going to come down to the last round.”

Up against a resurgent Marian-vixens outfit tonight, Emanuel is wary of the threats their opponents have at their disposal.

Rick Evans’s side overcame a luckless Neptunes unit last week in a tense finish and Emanuel said Highlanders would have to be on the ball defensively.

But coming off a bye he is confident his team will be refreshed after a season that has gone down to the wire week to week.

“They’ve got a really good balance of experience and youth,” Emanuel said.

In the premier league’s remaining matches, Saints will take on Burdekin while Runaways clash with Neptunes at Townsville Stadium.