Talent on show for girls’ netball comp

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA – SANDHURST DIVISION

Intermediate Girls Netball

On Tuesday 6 May, CMCB competed in the Intermediate Girls Sandhurst Netball Championships, entering both a Year 9 and a Year 10 team. The competition was held at the Golden City Netball Courts on a sunny but slightly windy day.

Year 9

The Year 9 CMCB netball team was fortunate enough to be entered in the A division alongside our Year 10 CMCB team. The Year 9s were placed in a separate pool from the Year 10s, meaning they did not have to play each other unless they made the grand final.

In the round matches, the Year 9s won 36–2 against Eaglehawk Secondary College, 24–6 against Weeroona College, and 18–9 against Marist College Bendigo. This set up a semi-final against Crusoe College, with the Year 9s winning 22–7. All nine Year 9 players played outstanding netball throughout the day, and, due to these comfortable wins, many rotations were able to occur.

The grand final was played in great spirit and at an extremely high level against our Year 10 team. At half-time, the Year 9s were ahead 6–4. A few changes saw the Year 10 team peg this back and draw ahead, but a couple of quick adjustments allowed the Year 9s to regain their lead and finish as 10–8 winners.

It is important to acknowledge that our Year 10 team were significantly impacted by injuries. At CMCB, we are fortunate to have great depth across our teams, and our squad for the next stage will be selected from both Year 9 and Year 10. Those fortunate enough to make this team will thrive on the opportunity.

YEAR 9 GIRLS TEAM: Mrs Clare Hope (Coach), Eva Grant, Poppy Gladstone, Sophie McDermott, Mia Cox, Molly Beasley, Imogen Brown, Tarli Nihill, Lexi Arundell, Macey Pinner

Year 10

The girls entered the competition, missing a few players due to injury and illness. We welcomed one Year 10 training partner and two Year 9 training partners into the team. Despite this slightly unsettled start to the day, the group showed brilliant resilience and teamwork as they came together to play some excellent netball.

During the round robin, the team trialled new combinations, highlighting the depth and versatility within the squad. Their efforts paid off with strong wins against Castlemaine Secondary College, Crusoe and East Loddon P-12 College.

The girls faced Marist in the semi-final. After a slightly sluggish start, the girls lifted their intensity to secure a spot in the grand final against our CMCB Year 9 team.

The grand final was a brilliant display of netball for the College and showcased the high level of skill and incredible sportsmanship between our Year 9 and Year 10 girls. In what was a highly defensive game, goals were hard to come by. With both teams having opportunities late in the match, it was the CMCB Year 9 team who managed to break through late in the second half and take the win, 10-8.
It was a fantastic day, and we congratulate the girls on their sportsmanship, resilience and teamwork.
Thank you to Piper Evans and Zara Bibby for umpiring on the day. Without them, the competition could not have gone ahead. Their umpiring was fair and consistent, and they should both be proud of themselves.
CMCB will now represent the Sandhurst Division at the Loddon Mallee Regional Finals on Tuesday 22 July.

YEAR 10 GIRLS TEAM: Lexi Jones, Bonnie Flynn, Ginger Hay, Chella Fitzgerald, Grace Mulqueen, Holly Hembrow, Dempsey McDonnell, Ms Madeline Dowling (Coach), Lexi Brennan, Eden Pollard, Lexie Fennell, Juliet Hogan, Adeline Neilson

Grand final