The Gotafe Goulburn Valley League’s 17 & Under netball team were crowned Champions of the 2018 Netball Victoria State Association Championships played at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne on Sunday 17 June.
The team was dominant throughout the competition all day with a draw in the one of the preliminary rounds the only blemish on a stellar performance.
The team finished the five preliminary games on top of the ladder and then had a five goal win in the semi final against the West Gippsland FNL.
The final was played against the St Albans/Caroline Springs Netball Association and, in a heart pounding game, the GVL side ran out victors by a solitary goal.
Terrible weather in Melbourne yesterday meant that all of the games were played indoors, reducing the number of games played by all teams.
Coach Di Hanslow and assistant coach Rachel Whipp were thrilled with the win.
“We are so proud of the way this team has bonded together, and all players have played their part whether in Yarrawonga against the Ovens & Murray League, in Wangaratta for the North East Zone Championships, or here in Melbourne today,” Hanslow said.
The Gotafe Goulburn Valley League’s Open netball team also had a very good tournament, finishing the preliminary rounds on top of the Pool A ladder. However, they were unable to get over the Bendigo FNL in a tight semi final, losing by four goals.
Gotafe GVL Chairman David Roff, who was present at the tournament, was full of praise for both teams.
“Our netballers have had an excellent couple of months with both interleague and the Association Championships” he said.
“The time and effort that all coaches, players and support staff have put in over this time has been outstanding.”
“It has all been capped off by our 17 & Under team taking out the State Title, something I believe has not happened before.”
Last Modified on 19/06/2018 12:11