From left to right: Harley Hodgens (age 9), Ben Koopman (age 9), Liam Ness (age 10), Scott Clark (age 8), Ryan Clark (age 10) and James Bailey (age 9).
It was a close match between Dudley United and Wisanger 2 at the Wisanger Sports, where Dudley United defeated Wisanger 2, 29-22. It wasn’t just the scoreline which had everyone talking, but the fact that it marked the most boys Kangaroo Island Netball Association have ever had playing on court at the same time.
For the three boys playing for Dudley United, Scott Clark, Ryan Clark and James Bailey, this game was the first time they played for their club. While for the other three Wisanger boys, Harley Hodgens, Ben Koopman and Liam Ness, playing for their team is a weekly occurrence.
For Liam Ness, this will be his fourth year playing netball after initially being involved with the sport by training with netballers following his Auskick sessions.
“I thought that I could try something new so after a bit of Auskick I would go train with the netballers,” Liam said.
“Also, my favourite Physical Education teacher was training the netballers.”
Having people he likes being involved with netball along with the style of the game has kept him wanting the participate in the sport.
“I like that it’s very active and not as rough like football, but you can still get injuries from netball from time to time! All the players are very fun and the coaches are nice too. The umpires are very helpful.”
Seeing the six boys compete on Kangaroo Island against each other is just another sign that there are still exciting times ahead for male participation in netball. Congratulations to Harley, Ben, Liam, Scott, Ryan and James for being part of netball history.
