(Back, from left) coach Nerisa Wills, Emily Coughy, Phoebe Newman, Hannah McBurnie, Sienna Elphick and Alice Circuitt; (front) Abby Doncon, Zoe Circuitt, Arabella Bliss.
The Deniliquin Netball Association’s under-15s representative team has staked their claim at the top of the district, as winners of the Bendigo Northern Association Championships.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
And Deniliquin’s under-13s rep team were runners-up in their age group on Sunday.
Small numbers in the under-15s division meant the girls played each of their opponents twice.
“The girls had fire in their bellies,” DNA rep team co-ordinator, Katie Taylor said.
The under-15s girls only took one loss during the competition, losing to Wimmera by three points before coming back to win the second match by five.
“Showcasing exceptional team morales and sportsmanship, the girls took to the court every game, playing better than the last,” Taylor said.
“Hard work and determination landed the under-15s girls in the grand final, playing against Castlemaine for third time that day,
“In the end they took home the victory for Deni, with a final score of 16-9.”
The under-13s also fought hard in Sunday’s competition.
The girls placed as runners-up against Echuca, only missing out on the premiership title by one goal.
“They had faced two losses to Echuca earlier in the day and played their final game with gritty determination, giving everything they had until the final whistle,” Taylor said.
“Special thanks and congratulations to coach Matilda Glowrey and team manager Chelsea Jeffrey for wonderful guidance and care for the girls.”
DNA’s under-17s rep team also attended Sunday’s competition.
Shaken by late withdraws and injuries, the team relied on Aysha Mitsch and Sophie Tilders to step up to the challenge.
“Hazel Glowrey and Molly Bradley provided speed and precision passing in the midcourt,” Taylor said.
“The defenders worked tirelessly all day. Shané Bothma and Chelsea Weir showed determination and grit and provided entertainment to the spectators with their impressive intercepts and rebounds against some rather tall opponents.
“Lucy Danckert proved she is a versatile player moving from end to end and Gemma Macdonald was consistent with the pressure she applied all day.
“The girls displayed impressive netball skills for the day and had some close games and wins.”
All three rep teams will be competing in one final tournament next Sunday, in Kyabram.
“DNA would like to congratulate all players. You have all definitely stepped up and come a long way since the start of the season,” Taylor said.
“The players would like to send a massive ‘shout out’ to our coaches and all of the parents who braved the cold, travel and early mornings and have shown massive support and encouragement to all of our players during the 2023 season.”
13°C