Net gains for top players

Avon Netball Club crowned their star performers of 2017 recently with their fourth annual awards evening and fundraiser.

In a year where the club’s under17s were crowned Scottish Cup champions and a host of players received call-ups to national squads, the Strathaven-based club honoured the outstanding players across all their teams on August 19, from under-13s to the senior women.

Held at the Scout and Guide Hall in the village, the event was well attended by athletes, parents, club committee members, family and friends. The winners on the night were:

U13 Players’ Player – Jane Fleming; U13 Most Improved – Abbie Morrison; U13 Player of the Year – Katie Doyle.

U15 B Players’ Player – Robyn McIntosh; U15 B Most Improved – Zoe McCarroll; U15 B Player of the Year – Orla McLaughlin.

U15 A Players’ Player – Mia Letizia; U15 A Most Improved – Claudia Bell; U15 A Player of the Year – Jenni Scott.

U17 A Players’ Player – Gillian Thomson; U17 A Most Improved – Emma Barrie; U17 A Player of the Year – Caitlin Hinchcliffe.

U17 B Players’ Player – Nicola Bell; U17 B Most Improved – Amy Flight; U17 B Player of the Year – Lucy Cassells.

Seniors Players’ Player – Lauren Reid; Seniors Most Improved – Isla Mitchell; Seniors Player of the Year – Hannah Wilson.

Avon’s ‘One to watch’ Award for 16/17 went to Morven Yeoman and the Endeavour Award was won by Chloe Bell.

Meanwhile, Avon are now building towards next season and hope local businesses can get behind the team.

Club secretary Morag Alexander said: “Our senior team will compete in the Netball Premier League for the first time next season, so this is a superb opportunity for any organisation or business to associate themselves with this fast and furious game.

“It’s the number one sport in the UK for women and they would be supporting a successful and thriving club in Avon. We have over 120 girls who are members of the club with many of our athletes and coaches involved in the Lanarkshire District Squads, Netball Scotland Development centres and our National Squads at U17 and U21 level.”

If you are interested in sponsoring or supporting any of their teams, contact Morag on 07977 516599 for more details.

Prize night Avon’s U17 A squad winners collect their awards

Top talent Gillian Crozier, left, presents the prizes to the senior winners

Joy The U15 B winners with Gillian Crozier, right

Great effortChloe Bell, centre, won the Endeavour Award, presented by Emma Parker, right, and Avon coach Gillian Crozier, left

Young stars Nicola McCleery, left, presents the U13 winners with their awards

Proud moment Sirens star Lynsey Galllagher, left, presented the U15A prizes

Bright future Morven Yeoman, right, collects the‘One to Watch’prize

Delight The U17 B players pick up their prizes