The Poppets 50th year marked by clubs five sets of twins in junior teams

This year the club celebrated its 50^th anniversary. with a great turnout of players, including five sets of twins.

Turning out for the junior squads were siblings, Amelia and Mia Isbester (10-years-old), Penelope and Porsha Woodhouse (11-years-old), Ruby and Eden Bugeja (12-years-old), Iesha and Mikayla Spiteri (14-years-old) and, Darcy and Bella Claxton (15-years-old).

A headache for opponents, the twins, four of which are identical, played side-by-side representing the blue and pink Poppets.

Club president Kim Wherry said that it took a while before the somewhat rare situation was realised.

"It was really surprising," she said. "I knew we had three sets of twins who have played for us for the past few years but not five.

"It wasn't until we held team photos this year that we discovered that two more sets of twins had joined our club this season.

"Everyone is quite fascinated and intrigued by it. It's exciting to have that many twins all playing for the one club. It's interesting."

Kim said she was proud of the club and was looking forward to when the clubs was able to celebrate its massive milestone.

"We are one of the oldest netball clubs in the Hawkesbury district," she said. "The club started as one team in 1970, founded by Mrs Beatrice Bessel, who coached the team.

"Since then, the club has grown and now we are 19 teams of around 169 players, with ages ranging from 6-years right up to women in their 50's.

"Hopefully once COVID restrictions are lifted we will get together and celebrate the club's 50 years."

The Poppets have been a successful club. From Mrs Bessel's first team that included her daughter Janine Humphreys, to two players - Terry Hagger and Teegan Ryan - represent NSW.

This past Saturday, September 26 saw the end of the 2020 netball season at Hawkesbury and the Poppets had six teams: the A1 Ladies, B2 Ladies, C2 Ladies, Junior 1 Maroon, Junior 2 and Junior 4, all win their divisions.