Victorian School Netball Championships

Finals Day

On Wednesday 2 September, the Year 7 and Year 8 Girls Netball Teams travelled to the State Sports Centre in Parkville for the Victorian School Netball Championships Finals Day. Both teams competed in the Junior (Year 7 & 8) section.

Year 7 Girls

The Year 7 Netball Team entered the tournament knowing it would be a tough day of competition, but they were ready for the challenge.

Carey Baptist Grammar started strongly in the opening round, but CMCB showed great fight to claw back the lead and secure a thrilling draw at the final siren. Game 2 suited their fast-paced style of play perfectly; steady passing through mid-court from Ivy, Izzy, and Lucy to the goalers was a major highlight, leading CMCB to an 11–9 victory over Mater Christi College.

In the third match against Salesian College, outstanding defensive pressure from Makayla, Chloe, and Isabelle forced numerous turnovers. Despite their hard work, a strong second-half surge from the opposition saw them narrowly fall short 10-13.

Game 4 was a fantastic team effort. Ariah and Lucy applied relentless pressure through the mid-court, while the shooting combination of Eden, Nellie, and Lyra proved unstoppable, which saw the girls record a dominant 18–4 win against Bialik College.

The girls then faced the top-seeded team in Game 5 and had their work cut out for them. It was a fierce, even contest that saw scores even at half-time, but Western Heights ultimately proved too strong, taking the win 12–7. In the final match against Genazzano FCJ College, the girls were clearly outsized across the court. However, their skill, speed, and determination shone through, rewarding the team with a fantastic 12-8 win.

Congratulations to the Year 7 team on a brilliant effort, finishing an impressive 3rd overall in their pool. Thanks to Emerson Arundell for scoring and to Mackenzie Jackson for her court-side support.
Special thanks also to Mrs Belinda Pinner, who stepped in to coach the teams for the day. The girls appreciated it.

Year 7 TEAM: Emerson Arundell (Scorer), Mackenzie Jackson, Lyra Haythorpe, Nellie Tobin, Makayla Jackson, Chloe McSwain, Perry Westley, Mrs Belinda Pinner (Coach), Eden Rogers, Ariah Whittle, Isabelle McCarthy, Isabel Baker, Lucy Beasley, Ivy Pinner

Year 8 Girls

The Year 8 girls started the day with a goal-for-goal contest against Lavalla Catholic College. After a tight opening, the girls were able to pull ahead to secure a 15–10 win, with some strong intercepts and accurate conversions helping them take control of the game.

The team then continued its good form in their second match, coming away with a 9–6 win against John Paul College in a physical contest. Abby and Macaila did a fantastic job in matching their opponents’ style of play and creating opportunities through the midcourt, while Scarlett and Eliza finished strongly with accurate goaling.

The third match of the day was the team’s toughest, coming up against Rowville Secondary College. It was a fast-paced and highly contested game, with a few unlucky errors proving costly as they went down 6–10. Despite the result, the girls competed strongly throughout the match.

Off the back of the loss, the girls came out fired up and ready to respond, playing some slick netball against St Ignatius College Geelong. They dominated from the outset to secure an impressive 18–4 win. Cammie made an impact when she came on in GD, creating turnovers with some strong intercepting, while Emma worked hard in defence and rebounded strongly. Darcy had a great game at GS, creating plenty of space and opening up opportunities for her attacking teammates to drive. Macey, Zara and Colbie showed great vision and patience through the midcourt to find their goalers with precision feeds into the circle.

The girls then finished the day with another close contest against Ruyton Girls’ School. It was goal for goal throughout, with some great defensive work from Arie helping the team to stay in the contest. The girls kept their composure when it mattered, with a few key intercepts allowing them to regain control and convert accurately. They held their nerve in the final moments to come away with a 12–10 win.

Congratulations to all of the girls on a fantastic day of netball! Finishing second in their pool was a fantastic achievement.

Thanks to Emily Dullard for scoring, and a big thank you to Ms Erin Varker for stepping in as the game-day coach. It was greatly appreciated.

Year 8 TEAM: Emily Dullard (Scorer), Cammie Fitzgearld, Arie Dean, Eliza Main, Abby Colt, Emily Hietbrink, Scarlett Ramsey, Ms Erin Varker (Coach), Zara Greive, Macey Nielsen, Colbie O’Bree, Macaila Bannan, Darcy Rodda