The Origin Association Championships continued over the weekend, and despite trying weather conditions three out of the four zones managed to crown finalists in another exciting display of netball talent.
The round robin style tournament is a perfect opportunity for up and coming talent in Victoria to take to the netball court and show off their craft, and for coaches and officials to gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment to help them progress through the pathways in Victoria.
With various divisions taking part, the Association Championships is an opportunity for talent scouts to assess Victorian talent across age groups.
The Eastern zone competition showcased strong contests throughout the day. West Gippsland took out Reserves and Championship titles in 13&Under. Gippsland League prevailed in a thriller against Sale, while North Gippsland also won by one goal in the 17&Under Championship division.
In the Western zone, Hampden FNL imposed themselves on Ballarat NA in the grand final to take out the title in the 13&Under division by 17 goals. It was a low-scoring affair in the 15&Under with Ballarat taking home the title after keeping their opponents – South West District FNL – to just six goals.
The All Abilities contest between Melbourne East NA and Sandringham & District NA Yellow was a close one with Melbourne East just getting over the line by three goals. In the Central East competition it was Lilydale & Yarra Valley NA that were victorious in the 13&Under Championship age group.
Unfortunately the Northern grand finals had to be cancelled due to poor weather conditions.
Results:
All Abilities
Melbourne East NA (6) def Sandringham & District NA Yellow (3)
Central East 13&U
13&U Champ – Lilydale & Yarra Valley NA (11) def Casey NA (8)
13&U Reserve – Waverley District NA (12) def Sandringham & District NA (7)
Eastern
13&U Champ – West Gippsland FNC (9) def Moe & District NA (3)
13&U Reserve – West Gippsland FNC (13) def Sale NA Red (6)
15&U Champ – Gippsland League (16) def Sale NA (15)
15&U Reserve – Mid Gippsland FNL (10) def Warragul & Drouin DNAs (6)
17&U Champ – North Gippsland FNL White (11) def Gippsland League (10)
Northern - Finalists
13&U Champ – Horsham District FNL & Sunraysia FNL
15&U Champ – Bendigo Strathdale NA & Wimmera FNL
17&U Champ – Bendigo FNL & Sunraysia FNL
*Grand Finals abandoned due to weather
Western
13&U Champ – Hampden FNL (28) def Ballarat NA (11)
15&U Champ – Ballarat NA (17) def Hampden FNL (12)
15&U Reserve – Ballarat NA (11) def South West District FNL (6)
17&U Champ – Hampden FNL (14) def Ballarat NA (13)
