SS MICHAEL and John’s Primary School’s grade six netball team will contest the School Sport Victoria state championships next month.
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The team progressed through the Greater Western Region netball championships undefeated in Ballarat on Friday, beating schools from Warrnambool, Colac, Ararat and Ballarat.
Ten players represented the Ss Michael and John’s team.
Nicole Burgess coached the team and Matt Friedlieb was the team manager.
Mr Friedlieb said all players contributed in the team’s four matches.
The Horsham team got off to a good start, defeating Warrnambool’s St Joseph’s Primary School 13-11.
“It was a tight contest with several lead changes throughout,” Mr Friedlieb said.
“Serena Hateley was instrumental in lifting the team over the line.”
A penalty shot after the siren from Maggie Caris secured an 18-17 win over Colac’s Sacred Heart Primary School in the second match.
“Danae Martin and Ella Burgess were clearly best on court with their key defensive plays,” Mr Friedlieb said.
“Both teams traded goals throughout the first half, and the scores were level at nine-all at half-time.
“Sacred Heart had a one-goal advantage in the final 30 seconds, until Montanna Connelly, Ella Janetzki and Georgia Pilgrim moved the ball quickly down the court to tie it up with 10 seconds to play.
“The final ten seconds were hectic, with Maggie finding the ball and getting obstructed underneath the ring.”
The Horsham team then thumped Ararat’s St Mary’s Primary School 26-7.
Mr Friedlieb said Lily Olver, Abbey Olver and Tahli Burford controlled the mid-court. He said the tiring team found a way to succeed against St Columba’s Primary School from Ballarat in the final match.
Ss Michael and John’s secured their state championships spot after a 16-13 win.
The team will vie for the state title against seven schools at Waverley Netball Centre on September 12.