Tara Murray
A year without netball left new Riddell coach Adam Boldiston keen to get back into coaching.
A premiership-winning coach with the Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Netball League, Boldiston was set to coach Romsey in this year’s Riddell District Netball League season but was forced to pull out before the season started because of other commitments.
In a twist of fate, the season didn’t go ahead because of COVID-19.
Now Boldiston is “putting my hat back in the ring”.
“Over the break I found myself really missing netball. I thought I would contact Loz [Lauren Close] as Riddell was a bit closer,” he said.
“They had someone signed for this season but couldn’t commit to the role next year.
“Last year Loz said if she had known I was looking for a new role, she would have been keen for a chat.
“It’s now worked out that way.”
Boldiston and Close have played together previously at state and national level. He said he was thrilled to have an opportunity to reunite.
Close is one of a number of signings that the Bombers have already announced.
Star shooter Bec Cowell returns, while Ellen Close and Tara O’Grady will also be in the shooting end.
Chelsea Tobin has also re-signed.
Boldiston said he had tried to get Colwell to his previous teams in the past and was looking forward to finally getting to coach her.
While he hadn’t coached Ellen Close before, he had seen her play in the Victorian Netball League.
O’Grady is one of a number of exciting youngsters already at the club that Boldiston will get to work.
“I know there are some young ones and I believe some that could be given some opportunity in A-grade.
“It’s similar to what I did at Sunbury, in blooding and giving them some opportunities. I’d love to nurture some of them and help them grow.
“Hopefully we get some good numbers at trials.”
Boldiston will also coach the under-19 team. He said they were still looking for a few more under-19s.
Midcourter Tarryn Munro, who had been at the Sunbury Lions with Boldistonand was part of the Bombers’ 2016 A-grade premiership team, has returned.
Boldiston, who is also the Victorian under-20 men’s coach, said there were a couple of other players he had coached previously who could also come across.
The Bombers trials are on Wednesday December 9 and 16. Interested players need to be available for both dates.
To register interest, go to netballbomber@gmail.com.
