The Wimmera Netball Association's junior sides capped off a big weekend of representative netball with an admirable display at the Echuca and District Netball Association's Annual Association Tournament on Sunday.
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Two sides made the finals, with the Wimmera league's 15-and-under team progressing to the grand final where they were bested by a strong Goulburn Valley league side, 17-11.
The 17-and-under side went undefeated through their six pool games, before losing to the eventual winners, Goulburn Valley league, in a tight semi-final.
Wimmera Netball Association 17-and-under coach Gayle Leith said she was proud of her team's efforts throughout the weekend.
"I was really happy. I thought the girls improved as it went on," she said.
"I think they were all a bit spent and tired and I think that showed a bit in the semi-final.
"Because it's interleague and because you're playing for your pride, it's like a grand final, just the intensity of it.
"Overall, I was very happy with it, and everyone gave 100 per cent and got time on the court."
All sides had competed in the interleague clash against the Murray Netball League in Shepparton the day before.
The 13-and-under side was short a player but used the competition to test different structures before future tournaments.
The team was unlucky to lose some of their games by only one or two goals.
Leith said the tournament was a good chance for the teams to develop.
"We just threw everyone around the court, tried different combinations. The versatility of the girls was just absolutely wonderful," she said.
"Out of the ten I've got only two are top age. The rest are bottom age, so that was amazing.
"I'm very lucky that they gel nicely as a team and I've got seven or eight girls that can play both ends of the court. It's not often you get that."
Leith thanked the parents for their support during the weekend and said all the sides represented the Wimmera league well.
"I'm very spoiled as a coach," she said.
"It's a nice group of girls; I couldn't ask for anything better."
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Matt Currill
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
