Starlets become the latest centurions

THE HUNDY CLUB: Netball stalwart Marjory Keelty (centre) is flanked by the latest members of the Collegiate A 100 Club - Sarah Teki-Clark (left) and Briar Lourie. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Talented Wanganui netballers Briar Lourie and Sarah Teki-Clark have joined an elite set after entering the 100 club for Collegiate A.

The Year 13 Wanganui Collegiate students have recently racked up 100 games for Collegiate A since being selected by current coach Nicole Dryden in Year 11.

But both girls have been actively honing their netball skills under the guidance of well-known netball stalwart Marjory Keelty for even longer.

Keelty has had them under her wing as either coach, manager or mentor since their Year 7 year at St George's School.

Players need to have three quarters' court time in each match to make it count.

A check with previous coaches reveals that Rebecca Hughes and Alice Collins were the first to play to join the 100 club when Keelty was coaching Collegiate A, while Te Reo Paki got hers with Rosie Austin as coach.

Anna McIlraith and Kelsey Armstrong both got their membership to the elite group last year under Dryden.

"It is a huge achievement," Keelty said.

"It's virtually impossible to manage this unless girls get into the A team in Year 11 and stay there injury/sickness-free for most of the three seasons. I coached all the girls at various stages of their careers.

"I have had a little more to do with Sarah and Briar as I coached them in years 7 and 8 at St George's then again in junior A for Collegiate in years 9 and 10 and now back with them as manager of the A team," Keelty said.

The achievement of both Lourie and Teki-Clark took on even more mana given the levels they have reached in other sports over the same period.

Lourie is a fine track athlete specialising in the 400m sprints and began showjumping at Grand Prix level last season, while Teki-Clark is a competitive swimmer at top level.