Easiyo Tactix 2013 Awards

Media Release – Easiyo Tactix 2013 Awards
Date: 25 July 2013

England import Jade Clarke was crowned the EasiYo Tactix 2013 Player of the Year at the franchise’s annual awards function which celebrated achievements both on and off the court.

Clarke made her debut for the Tactix in the ANZ Championship this season and proved a valuable cog in the young side with her trademark grit and never-say-die attitude.

The mid-courter was unable to attend the awards ceremony at the franchise’s new home, the Apollo Projects High Performance Sport New Zealand Centre in Christchurch, as she has returned to England to prepare for trials for the national side.

“Jade is a true ambassador for the game and great asset.  Her skill, determination and never-say-die attitude shone through in her play,” Netball Mainland chief executive Brigit Hearn said.

Clarke, who has also played for the Kia Magic and LG Mystics franchises in the past, proved popular with her team-mates being awarded the Players’ Choice Award as well.

There were plenty of positives to reflect on for the Tactix despite a season where they did not feature prominently on the ANZ Championship ladder.

They celebrated their shift into their new home at the Apollo Projects Centre with sponsors, players, Centre Presidents and guests getting the chance to have a close look at the facilities now available to EasiYo Tactix franchise players and other high performance athletes.

The franchise also has three players set to participate in the Silver Ferns trials next month including Tactix captain Anna Thompson, goal attack Julianna Naoupu and rising defender Jane Watson.

The 2013 ANZ Championship also marked a milestone for Canterbury stalwart Thompson who celebrated 75 games for the Flames/Tactix franchise – showing her strengths in the mid-court, leadership and loyalty to the region – which was recognised at the awards night.

Young defender Zoe Walker was named the Rookie of the Year in what was her first season in the EasiYo Tactix and ANZ Championship.  The Nelson-born netballer demonstrated the qualities and capabilities of a future Silver Fern.

Walker played both goal defence and goal keeper in the trans-Tasman competition with the 19-year-old excelling against some of the best netballers in the world, and she now heads to Glasgow with the New Zealand under-21 team on August 15 to compete in the World Youth Netball Championships alongside Tactix team-mate Sophia Fenwick.

Lucy Gunn was recognised as the Developing Player of the Year in what is her first season in the Tactix train-on squad as well as the Netball Mainland under-23 team.  Gunn’s determination to regain match fitness after an ankle injury and her commitment and dedication to improving in the high performance arena, saw her pick up the award.

EASIYO TACTIX 2013 AWARDS
Player of the Year:  Jade Clarke
Players Choice Award:  Jade Clarke
Rookie of the Year:  Zoe Walker
Developing Player of the Year:  Lucy Gunn
Tactix milestone:  Anna Thompson – 75 games  

ENDS

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