by Treveen Page

Douglas Junior Netball 10/Under competition started on Tuesday at Port Courts with the Diamonds playing the Tigers. The Diamonds are a strong and talented team with the majority of the team playing together for their second year.

Kyah Francis put in an excellent game in attack and Charlotte Dowling was confident through the four quarters with plenty of plays. The Tigers, who are ever improving, played a strong team game but could not match the Diamonds.

For the young Tigers, most only 8 years old, Carla Young was excellent intercepting at every opportunity and Logan Buzza showed her second year experience.

Final score Diamonds 7 def. Tigers nil.  

On Court 2 the Gladiators and the fast improving Saints played in a great contest. The Saints players are mostly new to the game this year and with the great coaching by Alex Heidke are becoming a force to contend with.  

The Gladiators were only one goal up at half time with Jasmine Kirk putting in a great goal attack effort, and well complimented by Allie Siebel. For the Saints little Jordan Scott was excellent in attack and Myah Lowenstein-Jones put in a fantastic effort.  

Final score Gladiators 5 def. Saints 2.
 
The 12/Under comp saw the Crocs play the Panthers, and it was the Crocs who took to the court in great form shooting seven goals to nil in the first quarter.
Maisy Garde was excellent in attack and Phoenix Scott-Spackman put in a mighty for the whole game. The Panthers coach Angela Pringle was thrilled at her team's improvement. Tully Case was tight in defence and Ellie McKay, against a much larger opponent, showed great skill.  

Bonnie Francis shot the Panthers' only but important goal.

Final score Crocs 15 def. Panthers 1.

The Allstars played the Sparks on Court 2. The Allstars who have combined so well as a team put in a brilliant performance. Mikeala Goodwin has proven herself a prominent defence player and Eliza Markham shot very well for goal.

The team swapped positions throughout the game to help in the development of their skills. Coach Chrissy Sophocleous for the Sparks was happy with her team's vast improvement. In a fast paced game the training is paying off.  

Sascha Lowenstein-Jones drove the ball down to goals creating opportunities for her side and Ella Dodds played well in attack, while the ever reliable Cartier Bennett played a strong defensive game.  

Final score Allstars 29 def. Sparks nil.   

The Magic played the inform Miallo 1 team, and Magic shot two goals in the first quarter to put the pressure on Miallo, Abbey Kent is gaining confidence week by week and Brianna Fordham put in a great centre performance while Cyan Dansken was tough in defence. Sophie O'Gorman-Petracktook a spill in the third quarter but was quick to play on with great style.  

Miallo is a finely tuned side who work very well together with fast and sharp passing. Georgia Duncan was great in her role as goal keeper and Jade Schuck is showing style in goal attack or goal shooter.  

Final score Miallo 1 13 def. Magic 3.
 
The 14/Under game on Court 1 was a thriller with the Judamalies playing the Dynamite. Dynamite shot seven goals to three in the first quarter looking to take the game. But the Judamalies kept their heads and with great playing and coaching by Natalie Littler did not give up. Lauren Ryan's return was a lift to the team.

Maddy Weaver excelled as goal shooter with fantastic, accurate shooting while Frankie Webster was great in defence as was Kyeisha Pitt and bossy Dakota Bowen.  

The Dynamite played sharp and fast paced netball Brydie Tregea lead and intercepted well, Megan Von-Keyserling put in a great game as did Emma Stievano in centre.  

In an impressive come back the Judamalies took the game by just one goal, 17 to 16.  

The Vipers played the 12/Under Rep squad and the teams were a goal apiece at the first quarter. Despite great plays by Casilda Creek and Maddy Malone they couldn't convert the goals in the last half.  

The Vipers steadied with Molly Delaney putting in a great centre performance and the strength of Akasha Francis in attack got the Vipers over the line.  

Final score Vipers 6 def. 12/U Rep. 3.
 
Thanks to all the volunteers, teenage coaches/umpires and scorers for giving their time each week to keep our junior netball competition going so successfully.  

Our teenage umpires/coaches arrive at 3.30pm to take the courts in their various duties and then play in the senior compeition, a long night week in and week out. Great effort girls!!!