Blighty name their MVPs

Blighty Netball Club has rewarded the efforts of junior netballers by presenting Most Valuable Player awards for the 2020 Picola & District League season.The awards were presented to players who polled the most votes in the Under 17s, Under 15s and Under 13s.Bridie Blake was declared the Under 17s MVP, followed by joint runners-up Gabby Clarke and Taylor Wilkinson.For the Under 15s, who featured in the grand final, Hannah Hetherington topped the votes, followed by Erica Nicholls.Ruby Caruso’s strong season saw her claim the Under 13s MVP ahead of Gemma Macdonald.President Vicki Ackers said all players deserved their awards.‘‘We wanted to do something for the kids to celebrate the season,’’ she said.‘‘We were so happy to be able to give the girls some game time and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.‘‘A lot of parents have said how happy they were to get everyone out playing and to see the smiles on faces.’’Isabella McIlwain was bestowed the honour of the Deb Cochrane Memorial award.This is awarded by umpires for those who show respect to players, umpires and officials as well as showing good leadership.‘‘Belle (McIlwain) was a clear winner for this award,’’ Ackers said.‘‘At the end of last year she approached me and said she wanted to coach the Minis (Under 11s) and she has done a wonderful job. The kids love her.‘‘Belle has always been happy to give her time to the club and no matter what she always has a smile on her face.‘‘She truly deserves the honour of the award and we are proud to call her a Redeye.‘‘I’d also like to thank our Under 17s coaches Jess Wills and Mikaila Ackers, Under 15s coach Kristeen Culton and Under 13s coach Kylie Barker for their efforts this year.’’