Schools in Action

National School Netball Challenge

The Catherine McAuley College Bendigo Intermediate Netball Team recently travelled to the Gold Coast to compete in the National Schools in Action Netball Challenge, joining schools from across Australia in one of the country's premier school netball competitions.

The trip began on Sunday with the tournament Opening Ceremony at St Joseph's College Coomera. The travelling group arrived in Queensland in two stages, with approximately half of the squad arriving earlier in the day, while the remaining students flew in later that evening after competing in local netball finals in Bendigo.

The Opening Ceremony provided an exciting start to the tournament. Students were welcomed to Country before enjoying a traditional dance performance by local students. With approximately 40 teams from around Australia gathered in one venue, there was a real buzz as players, coaches and supporters came together ahead of the competition.

Representing Catherine McAuley College Bendigo on the national stage was a special opportunity for the team. Inspired by the achievements of previous CMCB sides, the girls embraced the chance to test themselves against some of the strongest school netball programs in the country while creating lasting memories both on and off the court.

TEAM: Mrs Jessica Baird (Assistant Coach), Lilly Teuma, Eva Grant, Evie Gretgrix, Sophie McDermott, Poppy Gladstone, Sienna Raco, Mrs Julie Fennell (Coach) Macey Pinner, Ellie Macumber, Macey White, Elle Gilchrist, Imogen Brown, Alexis Arundell, Ava Hope

Game 1: CMCB defeated Westminster School (SA) 27-16

After months of waiting, our CMCB Intermediate Girls team was finally on the Gold Coast for the National Netball Tournament. Our first game was against Westminster School from South Australia, and the girls were excited and ready to go.

There were a few nerves early on, but the girls eventually settled and took an 8-3 lead at quarter time. By half time, they had extended that lead and came away with a solid 11-goal win. There was excellent defensive pressure throughout the entire game and some terrific feeds between the midcourters and goalers. With such a versatile team, everyone was able to get on court and experience a variety of combinations. It was a terrific start to the tournament.

Game 2: CMCB defeated Moama Anglican Grammar (NSW) 38-13

The second game against Moama Anglican Grammar saw a very strong start from the girls. By quarter time, they led 11-5 and by half time had extended that lead to 19-8. Again, every player had an opportunity to take the court and each girl more than held her own. The versatility of this team was extremely impressive and contributed to an overall win of 38-13. The girls did a terrific job supporting each other and played exceptionally well as a team.

Game 3: CMCB defeated Marsden State High School (QLD) 21-19

The final game for the day was against a very strong Marsden State side. We knew this would be a significant challenge against one of the top teams in the competition and the girls were ready to rise to the occasion.

They made an outstanding start, taking an 8-2 lead at quarter time. During the second quarter, Marsden lifted and combined with a few errors on our part, reduced the margin to just one goal. The girls maintained a positive attitude and responded with a strong third quarter. Heading into the final term with the lead, they held their composure despite Marsden's advances and secured a hard-fought 21-19 victory. We were incredibly proud of the girls both on and off the court, with the bench providing enormous support throughout the match.

Game 4: CMCB defeated vs Girton Grammar (VIC) 41-9

The first game on Day 2 was against Girton Grammar. Although it was nice to see some familiar faces, the girls came out firing and quickly established a lead. By half-time, they had built a 24-5 advantage and continued to extend it throughout the second half, eventually finishing with a 41-9 victory.

It was fantastic to see everyone take the court, with the team's versatility once again evident across all positions.

Game 5: CMCB defeated Western Heights College (VIC) 26-24

The second game of the day was another extremely tough contest. Western Heights has always been strong opposition and after watching them play, the girls knew they had to be at their very best.

Western Heights started strongly, and for the first time in the tournament, the girls found themselves chasing the game after quarter time. They responded brilliantly and gave everything over the next two quarters. The scores were locked at 13-all at half time before the girls established a 21-17 lead heading into the final quarter.

With several calls not going their way, the girls remained calm and disciplined. Despite Western Heights closing the margin to one goal with just thirty seconds remaining, the team held their nerve and managed one final goal before the siren to secure a 26-24 win. Once again, the encouragement and enthusiasm from the bench played a significant role in helping those on court maintain their intensity and pressure.

Game 6: CMCB defeated by St James College (QLD) 22-25

Day 3 began with a clash against the other undefeated team, St James College. The girls knew this would be the toughest challenge yet, but they were ready for it.

St James started strongly, taking a 6-3 lead at quarter time. After a brilliant second quarter, the girls fought back and reduced the margin to just two goals. During the third quarter, a couple of minor injuries saw the bench rotated, with every player stepping up and showing great flexibility in their role.

The final quarter was extremely tight. The girls closed the gap to within a goal but were unable to maintain the momentum and eventually went down by three goals. The team standings depended on the final game between Western Heights College and St James. Regardless of the result, the girls should have been incredibly proud of the way they fought throughout the match.

Game 7: CMCB defeated Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School (NSW) 31-12

The final game before the play-offs was against Lindisfarne. The coach took the opportunity to rotate everyone through the court and provide valuable minutes across the team.

After a slower start, the girls found their rhythm and led 14-8 at half-time. The final score of 31-12 reflected another strong team performance. Everyone did a great job once again, showcasing the flexibility and versatility that the group displayed throughout the tournament.

CMCB needed to win this game to remain contenders for a top-two finish; however, the final results came down to the outcome of the match between St James and Western Heights. Fortunately for CMCB, St James secured the win, which earned us a place in the Grand Final.

As coaches, we were incredibly proud of how the girls conducted themselves throughout the tournament and were excited for the opportunity to compete for a National Championship.

Grand Final: CMCB defeated by St James College (QLD) 18-33

Grand Final time. The girls were thrilled to have earned another opportunity to face St James and were eager for the challenge.

The opening quarter was highly competitive, with St James holding a narrow 7-6 lead at quarter time. The girls produced some brilliant defensive efforts and moved the ball well down the court. However, St James applied outstanding defensive pressure and built a 6-goal advantage by half-time.

In the third quarter, St James extended their lead further. The girls worked tirelessly and never stopped competing, but despite their tremendous effort, they were unable to close the gap. The final score was 33-18 in favour of St James.

Congratulations to St James, who proved to be the strongest team across the tournament. They showed great sportsmanship following the game, welcoming our girls into their celebrations and a dance circle afterwards.

TEAM: Mrs Jessica Baird (Assistant Coach), Sienna Raco, Eva Grant, Poppy Gladstone, Sophie McDermott, Evie Gretgrix, Lilly Teuma, Ava Hope, Mrs Julie Fennell (Coach), Imogen Brown, Elle Gilchrist, Macey White, Ellie Macumber, Alexis Arundell, Macey Pinner

There were plenty of emotions following the final siren. A beautiful speech from our captain, Sophie McDermott, reflected on the journey of the team and provided a wonderful reminder of the friendships, experiences and memories created throughout the week.

Our girls were an absolute pleasure to coach throughout the tournament. Their versatility, flexibility and commitment to always doing their best made the experience a memorable one for everyone involved. They bonded as a team both on and off the court and never once showed negativity towards each other or their opponents.

Losing three members of our original squad to injury meant there was some scrambling to ensure we had enough players available, and we are extremely grateful to the girls and their families who were able to make it work. Thank you also to the parents who travelled to support the team. It was a huge commitment from everyone involved and we could not have done it without you.

Thank you also to Ms Speed for her organisation throughout the tournament, and to both Ms Speed and Mrs Pearce for the countless hours spent behind the scenes to ensure the trip was a success.

We are incredibly proud of the team:

• Sophie McDermott (C)
• Eva Grant (VC)
• Imogen Brown
• Lexi Arundell
• Poppy Gladstone
• Lilly Teuma
• Macey Pinner
• Evie Gretgrix
• Elle Gilchrist
• Ellie Macumber
• Ava Hope
• Sienna Raco
• Macey White.

Coaches: Mrs Jessica Baird & Mrs Julie Fennell