Gippsland kicks up a Storm

GIPPSLAND Storm is one step closer to securing its place in the state’s elite netball competition after club officials met Netball Victoria operations manager Steve Walker last week.
Storm president Brendan Murnane and Gary Blackwood, the state Liberal MP for Narracan, walked away from Thursday’s meeting confident the club was on track in its bid to gain a Victorian Netball League licence.
Murnane described the discussion as “very positive”, saying Walker agreed the Gippsland region was under-represented in the state competition.
The club was invited to prepare a formal presentation to the governing body, putting its case for inclusion in the top league.
The Storm will also play a key role in hosting a revamped Regional State League competition at Churchill early next year.
“This is an exciting development for netball in our region,” Murnane said.
“It is envisaged this elite-level representative competition will eventually feed a team which competes regularly at the highest level in the state.”
Murnane said the success of the trans-Tasman championship and increased television coverage had provided an opportunity for the club and the sport.
Try-outs for the 2011 season will be held this month and in November.
“We’re calling all talented netballers to attend and be a part of this exciting time for our sport … and in particular the Gippsland region,” he said.
For details visit www.gippslandstorm.com.au