by Treveen Page

The 10/Under competition will continue to play their normal format games as there are no finals for this age group. Their last game will be on 14 September, preceding the Grand Final for the 12/Under age group, and the 12-16/ Under competition. 


So to the last round where the T-Birds played a great game of netball against the Dolphins highlighted by great passing and intercepting.  The Dolphins are improving as a team and again put in a great effort for the full four quarters. 


The Player's Choice for the Dolphins was Kyah Francis and the Best & Fairest went to Mia Devine-Cameron, and for the T-Birds, Sasha Lowenstein-Jones and Lana Baxter.  Final scores were T-Birds 11 defeated Dolphins 3. 


The undermanned Crocs played the MnM's. With only five on their side the Crocs played well shooting four goals, while the MnM's had a slow start with just two goals to half time, but rallied in the next half to finish with 12 for the game.


Player's Choice for Crocs was Savaanah Scott and the Best & Fairest went to Nicky Samson, while for the MnM's Jasmine Kirk and Sophie O'Gorman took out the honours.


The 12/Under's began their finals with the first and second Semi-Finals played last Tuesday.  The Saints played Miallo Thunder in a nail-biter. For the Saints, Marley Cairns was excellent in goal attack and ever reliable when shooting for goal, and Eleisha Mealing was brilliant in defence in a hard fought contest. 


The Thunder put in a fantastic game, as Elle Kadwell and Kilarney Manaena put in a 100% effort throughout the contest.  The Saints took the game by just one goal with the final score showing 11-10. 


The fourth and fifth placed Mossman Primary and Crocs played off in an elimination final with the Crocs missing a couple of players (thanks to Savaanah Scott, Isabella Cattanach and Lucy Webster for playing up from 10's).


The girls played well but could not overcome Mossman, as Holly Brown put in a strong goal attack and Dakota Brown also shooting well for goal. Final scores were Mossman Primary 9 defeating the Crocs 3.  


The second Semi-final began after a break with the Thunder playing Mossman Primary, and it was the Thunder who lived up to their name shooting 12 goals to two by half time.


Erin Kenna was excellent in her position as goal keeper and Elle Kadwell shot nine goals in goal attack as the team put in a strong and impressive game.  Shanice McLean was outstanding for Mossman Primary and Dominique Port played very well. 

The final score was Thunder 16 defeating Mossman 4 as Mossman bowed out of the finals.


The Dragons played the Saints in a thrilling game with both coaches, Kirsty McLeod and Cassandra Hill feeling finals pressure and doing a great job with their teams.


By half time the Saints were up by a goal, but the Dragons were able to shoot three in the next quarter. Liana Pelegrinet was always in the right position to intercept the ball and it was a great contest between Saints Marley Cairns playing goal attack and Jess Eagle-Rowe as goal defence. 


The Saints, having played a game earlier, put in a fantastic effort.  Players Choice and Best & Fairest for the Saints was Yasmine Stievano, and for the Dragons Player's Choice went to Katie Gibson while Best & Fairest was Rae Page. Final scores were Dragons 11 defeated Saints 9.


Next Tuesday, 7 September, the Under 10's will play as usual at 3.45. Play in the 12/Under competition will start at 4.30 and will feature the Saints playing Miallo Thunder while the Dragons go into the grand final. 


The 12-16/Under finals will commence at 5.20. Court 1 Team Black v Red, Court 3 Team Green v Team Blue. Winners play off in grand final on 14 September, while the losers play off for 3rd and 4th place.


The Presentation Day will be on 9 October from 3pm, and we will advise the venue closer to the date.  All players receive trophies and/or participation awards.    


The Douglas Junior Netball planning meeting will be held on 16 September, at Port courts at 5.00pm.  All who wish to contribute to next year's netball planning is welcomed and invited to attend. 


It is critical that you attend this meeting if you wish to add any suggestions or would like explanations to make the competition a better one next year. 


Any interested volunteers, coaches, umpires or canteen helpers who would like to participate in our competition please make yourself known, your help is very much appreciated.   


Please contact Sharon on 4099 4998 or Treveen on 0438 120 855.