ALTHOUGH accommodation was hard to find in Sale on Saturday night, 36 teams took part in the Sale Netball Association's annual tournament.
The event attracted 17, 15, 13 and 11 and under teams from Gippsland and metropolitan associations.
After drizzling rain and wintry conditions on Saturday, the netballers were greeted by pleasant sunny conditions on Sunday. The packed courts were just a blaze of colour with players using a variety team colours as they competed in high standard matches in all age groups.
So far local rep teams have played in tournaments at Dandenong, Waverley and Traralgon, but many of the Gippsland associations are no longer running tournaments, so it is great to see the SNA has the volunteers to run events which are a highlight of the season for the rep players.
In the 17 and under grand final, Bairnsdale defeated Springvale 14-4. The Sale 17 and under Black team, coached by Colleen Goodsell, lost its semi-final to Bairnsdale.
In the 15A grand final, Traralgon defeated Yarra 15-7 and Yarra defeated Traralgon 8-3 in the under 15B final.
In the 13A grand final, the Sale team, coached by Kim Costin, defeated Yarra 11-9 in the grand final, while in the 13B grand final, Traralgon defeated Springvale 10-5.
The Sale 13 and under team went through undefeated, beginning with a 20-2 win over Moe, then following up with wins over Bairnsdale, 19-0, Springvale, 15-6, and, in its toughest match, defeated Mid Gippsland 10-9.
In the final rounds Sale defeated Traralgon 9-4 and Yarra 12-9 before a 12-3 semi-final win over Mid Gippsland and winning a high standard grand final against Yarra, 11-8.
Sale coach Kim Costin, who has had a long association with netball in Sale as a player and coach, was impressed with the 13A rep team.
Costin said after the grand final it was a great group which was easy to coach, eager to learn and great listeners.
She said the side's improvement over the tournament was an indication of players' ability to try mew ideas and work together as a team.
Costin said Montana Holmes was dominant through centre court with her quick movement of the ball into the offensive third and the defensive pressure placed on opposing teams.
Sarah Gardiner, with great court awareness, was always an option with strong leads, finishing off with well-timed feeds into the goal circle.
Tori Wilson and Gemma Dorward added strength to the defence, Tori's determination and pressure to defend the ball forced opposing errors while Gemma's ability to intercept opposing passes provided turnovers.
Sale goal shooters Tianna Hogan and Jami Cashman combined well.
Tianna's strong drives towards the ball and hard work in the circle was backed up by Jami's well-timed leads. Opposing teams found it difficult to prevent the ball from penetrating the circle as Tianna and Jami finished the good work of their teammates with accurate shooting for goal.
Aleena Butcher worked hard in defence pressuring opposing shooters, forcing the ball out of the circle and limiting their scoring opportunities.
Krista Lyle played well when moved from attack into defence, providing support inside the defensive circle by deflecting balls and strong rebounding helping set up the three-goal win in the grand final.
Paige Robinson was also a valued member of the 13A rep team and assisted the 13B team, who was down on numbers due to injury. Paige played well in defence in the B team, who just missed the finals.
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