All three teams (under-12s, under-13s and under-14s,) travelled to the Ryde Eastwood Netball Centre on July 7 to start their campaigns.

Thankfully, the sun was shining for all three days.

However, on Saturday, everyone had to handle the wind which was difficult for all teams.

The under-12s, coached by Vanessa Tasker and Jane Attwood, had a great weekend.

They played 16 games over the three days.

They had some great wins and some really close games, but managed to remain positive and happy throughout the entire carnival.

Vanessa and Jane were very proud of how the girls had developed over the year and how they conducted themselves both on and odd the court in their first year of representative netball.

The under-12s finished in 14^th place which was a great result for the Southern Highlands.

The under-13s, coached by Gilliam Quarmby and Carolyn Manning, had a sensational carnival.

Finishing in 7^th placed, the team faced some very tough games, but were able to come out on top by one or two goals on many occasions.

The players managed to hold their nerves and remained focused under pressure and therefore were rewarded with the win.

Everyone in this team is very fit which showed on the court as all girls gave it their all in every game until the final whistle.

The under-14s had a mixed carnival.

They had a fantastic Saturday and won four out of five games, all against teams that had beat them in 2017, including the two winning teams.

Sunday was another hard day which had many ups and downs, but the girls were able to pull themselves back together and give their best.

The girls stayed positive and gave their everything in all 18 games, often going down by just one or two goals.

They ended up in 14^th place.

All teams showed amazing skills and sportsmanship over all three days.

The Southern Highlands Netball Association is very proud of all teams and their ability to keep going under tough conditions and often very tall opposition.

Everyone played with great enthusiasm and supported each other throughout the three days.

Netball NSW State Age Championships Division Three will be held at the Penrith Netball Association in 2019.

- Kate Bow, Southern Highlands Netball Association competition coordinator.