Dynamic duo claim netball award

Harlequins duo Bridget Gane and Mhicca King are joint winners of The Marlborough Express Netballer of the Year trophy for the 2010 season.

Points are awarded at each premier netball match on a 3-2-1 basis, and the dynamic midcourt players tied on 16 points. The trophy then goes to the player with the most three-point awards but they were also tied, with three apiece, so will share the prize.

Gane and King have enjoyed stellar seasons, culminating in their selection for the Tasman senior side which kicks off its National Provincial Championship campaign against Counties Manukau in Blenheim on Sunday.

Interestingly, both players wear the centre's bib, Gane for Harlequins Scaffold Marlborough and King for Harlequins Radich Law, who contest the premier final this weekend.

Gane, who has just completed her 26th premier season, is pleased to get her hands on one of the few trophies in Marlborough netball to have eluded her.

"I've followed the [trophy] competition a bit. We talked about who might win it recently, but I didn't think it would be me.

"I'm stoked, absolutely stoked."

She admitted her Quins SM side hadn't had the greatest of seasons. "It's been pretty rocky really. We've had some injuries and it's hard with a small squad."

But there's no doubt the mother of four will be back on court 2011.

"While Mum [Harlequins Authentics mainstay June Marfell] is still playing I certainly can't give up," she added with a smile.

King had her own reasons to be pleased about getting her name on the trophy. "Everyone who's had it in the past I've looked up to," she explained.

"I figured, if you get to that stage you know you're doing well. It's quite amazing."

She puts her success down to a more-disciplined training regime, coupled with a season of rugby for the Central women's side.

"I've trained harder than any other year ... I think my fitness has been consistent from the trials to the end of the season.

"It's also been a great club year. We've got a fantastic coach [Victoria Greenwood-Loose] who has really brought the team together this year."

Past winners of the trophy are:

2005 – Michelle Stagg (Harlequins

2006 – Anna McLindon (Harlequins)

2007 – Jaimee Power (SMOG)

2008 – Melissa Brady (SMOG)

2009 – Rachael Agnew (Harlequins)

- The Marlborough Express