Judy "Gobby" Preece (GS/GA)

 Judy, Captain of VSL, has been playing ladies and mixed netball for many years.  Extremely vocal and worthy of her nickname, Judy demands 110% from her squad and is famous for expecting a win every game!  Also an umpire, Judy organises the squad for national tournaments and ensures that nobody, absolutely nobody, gets in before 4.00 am when on a tournament weekend.  Judy is responsible for making sure that we have a squad every week and sends endless text messages just to check!

Mark "Ice Man" Dutton (GK/C/GS/WA)

Often sending concern through the squad for fear that he has stopped breathing, Ice Man Mark is as cool as a cucumber.  Never stressed, never angry and always accepts nicely that his version of 3 feet was different to that of the umpire!  Mark is part of the main Defence for VSL but sometimes has a go at C or WA if he is feeling up to it.  A non-drinker, Mark doesn’t understand playing with a hangover and is often criticised for his lack of patience with those squad members that have!  Also a squad umpire, Mark sorts out our fees every week.

Nicky "Party Girl" Beadle (GS/GA/WA)

 Another netball fanatic, Nicky plays WA and GA.  Always keen for a large vodka, Nicky reckons she plays better with a hangover but likes to be able to sit off first quarter when playing first thing in the morning!   Generally to be found up to no good with Judy, Nicky is another one that Susie has a hard task trying to keep in control when away for the weekend!

Susie "Mine" Homan (GD/GK)

 Famous for her loud cry of “Mine” as a ball approaches her, Susie lives and breathes netball and forms another major part of VSL’s fantastic defence.  A party animal, Susie is able to jump to amazing heights and retrieve balls from the clouds – no matter how much she has drunk the night before.  Susie is, however, responsible for trying to bring a little maturity into the squad by recommending that players do go to bed before 4.00 am on a tournament weekend.  Susie is always fully prepared and can be relied upon to bring anything that you’ve forgotten!

Richard "Footloose" Preece (C/GK)

Our C and occasional GK, Richard flies across the court at quite a speed and is also famous for reaching quite a height on his jumps!  Always conscious of footworking after death threats from Judy, Richard was well and truly introduced to tournament life by playing at Brean Sands 2004.  Always keen to claim any loose ball as his own, Richard will jump to an amazing height to claim possession - regardless of who may be in the way!!!!

Colin “Stand Still” Sherriff (GS)

 Preferring GS position, Colin made the mistake of turning up for a mixed tournament one day and was then recruited to VSL.  He has never looked back since!  Famous for being told to “stand still” by Judy when she is shooting, Colin is a league and tournament regular.  Famous for his third degree sunburn on his forehead at Brean Sands, Colin worried the squad when we realised that we had to present him back to his wife in an extremely hungover and sunburnt state - still clutching his can of Guinness!  Luckily he is still allowed out to play and forms a great part of our shooting team.

Netta “Speedy” D’Ambrosio (WD/C)

Netta is our little WD who flies across the court like a gust of wind!  Often gone before you even see her, Netta confuses the opposition with her ducking and diving and twisting and turning.  Extremely annoying to tall people by having the ability to weave in and out of their legs, Netta is always in a great space cos the opposition can’t keep up with her!

Sarah "Any bib will do" Pacey (Any)

Our newest member of the squad, Sarah will play any position that is going begging.  An excellent defender, a swift court player and a good shooter, Sarah is finding the 5 nights a week hard, tough training sessions a little heavy at the moment.  We are sure she will get used to it.  Also Captain of Flyers (another mixed team made up of most of VSL!), Sarah is a little too young to be a drinker but we are confident she will make a great one when now she has turned 18.

Matt "Monkey Boy" Maltby (C)
Tournament Squad

 Often to be seen flying through the air at an amazing height with his outstretched arms gaining possession of any ball that comes remotely near him, Matt is a key member of the tournament squad.  Particularly famous for his love of the Brean Sands Tournament, Matt is a demon Centre who is never to be parted from his tournament rugby ball and matching hat!

 

Robin "Slamdunk" Poole (GS/GA/GK)
Tournament Squad

 Ever enthusiastic, Rob is Mr Nice Guy.  Always willing to help the ladies out, Rob is a fairly new but now permanent addition to VSL's tournament squad.  Rob partners Judy at shooting but is also a great defence partner for Susie. Famous for having every part of his body patched up by the first aid man in Newcastle, Rob just can't wait for VSL to tour America!!!

 

Elaine "LiveWire" Cooper (GD/WD)
Tournament Squad

 Defender Elaine is also one of our tournament umpires and another regular tournament player for VSL.  A regular ladies and mixed netball player, Elaine is a tough cookie who adores her tournament weekends away.  A defender not to be messed with, Elaine plays regularly league matches in the same mixed squad as Matt.  When we have the two of them together then it is always double trouble for the opposition!

Nick "Gnome" Bowles (GA/WA/C)
Tournament Squad

 For Nick there is only one more thing that he is more passionate about than netball - FOOD!  A storming centre court and shooter, Nick was part of our champion squad for Newcastle Corporate Games and will be back with VSL when our title is defended.  One of life's nice guys, Nick is determined, enthusiastic and full of effort - and that is just to find the nearest food establishment!

Alison "Ugly Little Thing" Falconer (WA/GA)
Tournament Squad

 Wicked court player with an extra talent for shooting, Ali loves a drink.  Often to be found with Judy wandering aimlessly round kid's playgrounds at 3.00 am, Ali is another party animal who was named unfairly after a fall out at Hemsby.  A brilliant dancer, Ali is famous for her pigtails and was also part of the champion squad at Newcastle.

Megan "Two Pot Screamer" Bear (WA/WD/C)
Tournament Squad
Aussie Megan is our tournament nurse.  Keeping the squad entertained with many interesting stories, Megan is a dominant Centre and Wing Attack who has an amazing pace across the court - particularly when the bar is about to open!!!  Very often to be seen with a beer in her hand, Megan just goes with the flow and will drink whatever anyone else is having!!  Also an umpire, Megan's favourite food is carrot stew.

Gavin "Nine Toes" Laud (Physio, Dietician, Supporter, etc, etc...)
Gavin comes to most games and tournaments, and although does not play the game of netball (yet!!) does make up a key member of the team.  If not found cheering from the sidelines, he can be found cheering from the local drinking establishment.  His most astounding skill at present is being able to plot a route from home to any tournament destination without the use of a map.

Niki "Party Diva" Churchman (Any)
Tournament Squad
Niki is the newest member to the tournament squad.  Niki has all the attributes for a squad member - she can drink, she can play netball, she can drink and she can play netball.  Much like Sarah, Niki is a very versatile player and is good in both attack or defensive positions.
She has already been booked for next years tournaments!!

Rob "The Thong" Hamilton ()
Tournament Squad

 Rob played for us in the Dublin Tournament.  He is simply the thong man....

Donkey (On the sideline or in the pub!!)

The VSL team mascot.  Recently joined VSL after breaking free from the local animal shelter.
Wanted by the government as a donkey of fortune, if you can find him maybe you can hire "DONKEY!!"

 

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