The Camden Netball Association’s Metro League team formed in 2022 brought together an amazing group of girls.
Each one of them made a commitment to train and play for Camden in the 2022 competition at Netball Central, Homebush – and under a first time Metro coach.
After 15 rounds of highly skilled netball against other association teams, Camden finished the season equal first and second on goal averages.
Camden went on to win the preliminary final before going all the way with victory in the grand final.
In the process they became the first team from Camden to win at this level since 2011.
The icing on the cake came last week when they were named Elite Sports Team of the Year at the 24th annual Wests Group Macarthur sports council awards.
“It is so rewarding year after year to meet the exceptional sporting talent from our region and celebrate those individuals and teams as well as the clubs that foster them in our Wests Sports Council program,” said Martin Bullock, Wests Group Macarthur sports director.
Rising cricket star William Salzmann was named elite sports person of the year.
The 18 year old, who plays first grade for the Ghosts – Campbelltown Camden District Cricket Club – was a local junior with Burragorang and Tahmoor.
A bowling allrounder, he made his debut for Australia at the Under 19 Cricket World Cup in 2022 in the Caribbean.
He finished as the leading wicket-taker for Australia and seventh overall.
Salzmann, pictured after receiving his Wests award, has also recently been awarded a NSW Blues rookie contract and made his debut against Victoria.
The other category winners and runners up were:
- Junior sportsperson of the year (U12): Riley Lane, Macarthur BMX. Runner up: Lewis Eddie, Wests Hockey Club;
- Youth sportsperson of the year (12-16yrs) Cooper Robb Jackson, Mt Annan Swimming Club. Runner up: Ryan Carter, Macarthur Triathlon;
- Senior sportsperson of the year: Hayden Hooker, Western Suburbs District Rugby League Referees Association. Runner Up: Megan Keller, Wests Hockey Club;
- Sports club team of the year: Under 16 Magpies cricket club. Runner Up: senior second grade, Magpies Cricket Club;
- Spirit of sport award: Rosina Anson, Tennis Macarthur. Runner up: Aaron Purdey, Softball Macarthur.
