The PacificAus Sports Netball series was held for the second time in its history in Queensland over the last week. The series is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), bringing together the national teams of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga whilst inviting USC Thunder and an Australian Pathway team to compete.
Western Australia had four girls selected to make the trip including Georgie Cleaver, Jasmah Haywood, Tayla Styles and Sophie Eastaugh, who was announced as Captain of the team.
Cleaver was excited to have been given the chance to feature in the competition.
“It was such an amazing opportunity to play against other countries,” she said.
“To come together with other girls from Australia and build on and off court connections, allowed us to compete at our best.
“Overall, it was a positive experience as I learnt so much from the athletes around me and the coaching staff too.”
Cleaver was happy to be given the flexibility to play in multiple positions, which saw her involved in 68 goal contributions.
“This next level competition pushed my capabilities and for us as a team, we were able to live and act in a professional environment,” she continued.
“Tournaments like these allow athletes to not only showcase their skills in a higher intensity and against more experience teams, but to also learn from those around them.
“Although some of us only met two days before playing, we built relationships, and all worked together to play our best.”
Australia finished second in the competition but are ineligible for the final as they are not a Pacific team.
