The Bairnsdale Netball Association junior squads hit the road for a weekend of tournament play last weekend with some outstanding efforts highlighted by the under 15 Blue side winning their divisional premiership.
It was a great opportunity for the hard-working squads to test their skills against city and fellow country-based players.
The under 13, 15 and 17 sides headed to Casey Stadium for the Casey Netball Association Tournament, which is always well patronised and a strong competition.
The event attracted more than 100 teams, with some quality opposition bringing out the best in the East Gippsland youngsters.
The under 15 Blue side, coached by Katelyn Wheeler, dominated its division all day, going through undefeated, conquering Northern Pride, Mornington Peninsula, Chelsea, Warragul, Ellinbank and St Michaels in the process.
Emme Hadden, Tahlia Chila, Rosie Cawood, Chloe Allen, Amy Jewitt, Siobhan Duffy, Claudia Blandford and Elise Sabel all combined well under the outstanding tutelage of coach Wheeler.
The under 15 Red side, coached by Liz Hadden, was also extremely competitive, scoring some decisive and impressive wins, finishing third in their pool before bowing out in the semi finals.
Both the under 13 Blue and Red outfits were in the thick of the action in most matches but unfortunately didn’t progress to the finals.
The under 17s played their first tournament for the year under the coaching of Australian representative Tom Hardwick, improving each match and achieving some great results, despite losing a cut throat semi final.
Bairnsdale was represented by two teams in the under 11s tournament held at the Waverley and District Netball Association.
Both sides acquitted themselves admirably, the Red team finishing first and Blue second in their respective divisions.
The under 11 tournaments don’t playfinals.
Bairnsdale Netball Association is now focusing on the Sale Tournament in two weeks.
