After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the National Netball Championships are back, taking place in Hobart.
The country’s best young netballers are set to face off in a series of state and territory vs state and territory matches from Tuesday April 19 to Sunday April 24. With a jam-packed match schedule, there is sure to be plenty of action throughout the week.
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Kickstarting the 17/U competition on Tuesday, Victoria and the Northern Territory took to the court. Victoria came out firing with fast ball movement across the court. This kept the Northern Territory on their toes, and Victoria managed to lead 14 to 1 at quarter-time.
Victoria kept the pressure on throughout the second quarter, forcing a number of turnovers and intercepts. This was reflected on the score board, with the Victorians piling on another 16 goals during the quarter. Victorian goal shooter Lily Graham had a dominant first half, managing to score 24 out of her team’s 30 goals.
Once again, Victoria kept their foot on the gas in the third quarter to keep the Northern Territory goalless. A late burst from the Northern Territory provided five more goals in the final quarter. Despite the last-minute surge by the Northern Territory, Victoria took a convincing win, ending the game 56 to 8.
Moving into the first round of the 19/U division, Tasmania and Queensland played off for their first game of the competition. The energy was high as both teams kept the pressure on throughout the court. Queensland took an early lead, with the defensive efforts of goalkeeper Ashleigh Ervin playing a major role.
Queensland began the second quarter with a 10 to 2 lead. The Queenslanders worked hard for every possession, making some smart plays down the court. It was a physical contest between both teams. Tasmanian wing attack Macy Goninon was a key player for her team, with a strong presence across the court. Despite a courageous final quarter effort from Tasmania, Queensland came away with a 34-20 win.
In the first round for the 17/U teams, South Australia beat the ACT, 41 to 14. Tasmania and Western Australia drew 25 all in a tight first match. New South Wales came away with a 35 to 27 win against Queensland.
The second round of the 17/U division saw the ACT come out on top 36 to 25 against Northern Territory. Queensland managed to beat Tasmania, 44-20. South Australia won 34 to 28 in a close contest with Victoria. New South Wales notched up their second win for the day, beating Western Australia 42 to 33.
In the first round of the 19/U division, New South Wales beat Western Australia, 37 to 26. South Australia dominated against Northern Territory, winning 66-18. Victoria took a convincing win over the ACT, finishing 43 to 19.
The second round of the 19/U competition saw Western Australia take a win against Tasmania, 47 to 22. South Australia managed to beat Victoria, 28 to 48. New South Wales were again victorious, winning 36 to 27 against Queensland. The ACT proved too strong, beating Northern Territory 42 to 31.
