DYNAMIC DUO ON THE RIGHT PATH TO NETBALL SUCCESS

REILLEY Batcheldor and Abigail Houston are proving Gold Coast netball’s dynamic duo, with national schoolgirl selection the latest honours for the court copycats.

As Australia’s schoolgirls today shoot for glory in the final day of competition at the international championship at Runaway Bay’s indoor courts, the 16year-olds are continuing a journey together that began years ago.

Both girls have made every representative side together dating back to under-12s, including the Queensland schoolgirls in under-12s, 15s and 17s.

Helensvale High student and goal attack Batcheldor, known as Roo, plays for Bond University’s under-19 Jags and under the Northern Gold Coast Association umbrella.

Houston, aka Abi, plays in the South Coast Association for the same Jags team and is in Year 11 at Palm Beach High.

Batcheldor’s dad, Matt, also the president of the Northern Gold Coast Association, said the girls represent the perfect pathway on offer in the region.

“They are Gold Coast locally-grown netballers who have the drive and ambition to make it all the way to play for Australian Diamonds,” he said.

The 10-team international championship features about 120 players and finishes today.

Picture: SUPPLIED Gold Coast netballer Reilley Batcheldor in action for Australian schoolgirls. And (inset from left) with teammate Abigail Houston in under-12s, under-15s and this week.