Image supplied by the Standard
Association Championships
It was very pleasing to see our Representative teams perform so well at the Preliminary rounds of the Association Championships in Ballarat. All teams went through undefeated with the 17/U team drawing one match during the day and all 3 teams won through to the Grand Final and took out their respective titles. Unfortunately, the finals, which were to be held at the State Netball Hockey Centre this Weekend, have been cancelled due to COVID.
I think we will all be left wondering what could have been for the Hampden FNL this year as all teams would have been very Competitive in Melbourne.
Thank you to all the Coaches and Team Managers who gave their time so generously and for making the commitment to guide our Representative teams. Thank you also to the many parents who assisted with scoring in Ballarat.
Thank you also to our Umpires, Maggie Conheady, Leo McGrath and Rachel Dickson. They did a fantastic job on the day and were also rewarded for their efforts with each of them being allocated Semi Finals and then Rachel and Leo being awarded a Grand Final. The Hampden FNL were well represented on the day with a few more Umpires umpiring for other neighbouring Associations.
Well done everyone – a great Team Effort.
Milestone Games
Congratulations to Amy Wormald who played her 100th game last round and also to Emma Cust who played her 200th game, both representing the Warrnambool FNC. A great achievement from both players and to cap off their milestone games they had a great win over South Warrnambool.
Rules Discussion
After not being able to host our Rules Discussion/Umpire Appreciation Round earlier in the season, we had organized Anne Castles from Netball Victoria to come to Warrnambool on Friday July 23rd to host a Rules Discussion Session. Once again our best plans have been upended due to COVID. Hopefully we will be able to mentor some umpires in the remaining rounds and start planning our Umpire Mentor Program for the 2022 Season.
A recap of Round 10.
Koroit comfortably accounted for Portland defeating the tigers by 25 goals – a great percentage boost for the Saints. North Warrnambool were defeated by ladder leaders, Cobden. The bombers got off to a great start taking a 9 goal lead into the second quarter and were eventual winners by 14. Hamilton had a convincing win over the seagulls with Holly Phillips dominant again in the goal circle scoring 47 of her teams 54 goals. They defeated Port Fairy by 21. Camperdown managed a 7 goal win over a very determined bloods outfit. The contest between Warrnambool and South Warrnambool was highly skilled and fast paced with Warrnambool eventual winners by 6 goals.
My predictions for this week.
Cobden are playing a great brand of netball and are in great form. They shouldn’t have too much trouble accounting for Camperdown and should remain undefeated after 11 rounds.
Despite only two wins thus far, Portland have been a tough team to beat all season. I think they will get the points this week when they take on Port Fairy at home.
Warrnambool make the journey to Hamilton to play the Kangaroos and should earn themselves another four points. Warrnambool are gaining some momentum at the right end of the season and could potentially finish top 3.
Terang Mortlake play Koroit at the Ridley Rec Reserve. The bloods will be competitive but may lack some depth against the experience and versatility of the Saints. Koroit are fighting to keep in touch with the top 3 and will get the points here.
In the match of the Round, North Warrnambool take on the Roosters at the Friendlies. I anticipate this to be a highly skilled contest but the weather conditions may play a part in slowing up the potential speed. I think the game will go goal for goal but with the Eagles needing the points more might be enough to get them over the line.
It’s certainly great to be back on the courts again this weekend. Thank You to everyone who has played a part in making this possible. Let’s hope we can get through the remaining of the season without any more interruptions. Good Luck to all teams competing this weekend and let’s hope the heavens don’t open up too much.
Author: Josie Logan
