A unique partnership has been developing in Australia between Sam Wallace and Cumbrian Helen Housby.

The netball internationals, from Trinidad and Tobago and Drumleaning near Aikton, have been plying their trade for New South Wales (NSW) Swifts over the past three months.

In the 2017 Suncorp Super Netball competition Down Under the duo, both making their Australian debuts this year, really clicked together on the court.

And 23-year-old Wallace has enjoyed linking-up with Housby.

The pair both played in the English Super League previously with Housby, who had been studying zoology at Manchester University, turning out for Manchester Thunder, while Wallace played for Hertfordshire Mavericks.

Wallace said: “I remember playing against Helen in England when I was with Mavericks and she was with the Thunder.

“I loved the way she would get a crowd going and how she was able to stand up to players who might be bigger than her. It was then that I thought I would love to play in the same team as her.

“She is so slim but she can really take a hit and keep going and that’s what I love.”

With Carlisle-born Housby and Wallace among their ranks, NSW Swifts are sixth in the eight-team Suncorp Super Netball league table ahead of their final group game against Queensland Firebirds, in fifth, today with the top four progressing to the semi-finals.

Housby, however, has been ruled out with a calf injury.

But shooter Wallace has enjoyed the experience, despite some mixed results for the Swifts.

“What I love most about being with the Swifts is the team-mates, coaches, staff and fans,” she added to the NSW Swifts website.

“It is like a really big family which is very important to me as where I’m from is quite far from here.

“I have been made to feel so welcome, and that is what I was looking for.

“Everyone looks out for everyone else, makes sure you are feeling good, so it is a great place to be and it is something I really cherish.”

Housby, 22, has already established herself in the England team and featured in the 2014 Commonwealth Games for her country.