Murray nets a major honour

Jun 20 2007 By The Evening Chronicle

Team Northumbria's assistant coach Jeanette Murray has been recognised for her long service to the women's basketball squad.

Murray, part of the backroom staff at the club for the past 13 years, received the Sports Development Award at the University of Northumbria's annual sports dinner.

Murray travels several times a week to Newcastle for training and games as well as throughout country with the National League side and has qualified as a National League referee.

Coach Deirdre Hayes said: "Jeanette is the ultimate volunteer and is so committed to the team."

Team Northumbria, meanwhile, shared the Team of the Year Award with the men's basketball side.

Northumbria women took the BUSA Championship for the first time in their history storming to the title with victories over Sheffield Hallam, Loughborough and in the finals London Metropolitan.

They also enjoyed success in Division One of the National League in their first season after clinching promotion in their triple trophy-winning 2005-6 season.

Northumbria men won the Division Two play-offs in their first season in the league and defeated Taunton at the play-off finals at the Newcastle Arena.

Team Northumbria head coach Deirdre Hayes is entering her second European Championships in Romania as head coach for the England women's under-18 team.

Captain Sarah Bennett joins her as the team physiotherapist, while Dominique Allen and Ruth Davison are also in the squad.