IT WAS a case of “two out of three ain’t bad” for Nelson Bay in the Newcastle Netball Association Grand Finals last weekend.
Suzanne Shelley’s 17yrs squad and Katie Schein’s seniors achieved a rare premiership double at the National Park courts, while Linda Jones’ 17yrs charges were runners-up.
In the 17yrs Division Five decider, Nelson Bay trounced the West Wallsend Wranglers 29-11s to clinch the championship.
Shelley praised her dynamic young charges for winning every match in the Newcastle competition, and for stepping up during the finals series.
“As their coach I’m so proud of the energy, positivity and commitment this team brought to the court,” she said.
“It is inspiring and a real boost for our new netball club in Newcastle.”
The line-up featured goal shooting aces Abby Noble, Isla Forster and Lucy Solomon-James and a classy midcourt trio in Hartley Cobb-Hamilton, Sienna Hunt and Olivia Childs.
Spearheading a tenacious defensive unit were Charlotte Mann, Zaliah Spencer and Lacey Burgess, who performed strongly throughout the competition.
Just as impressive were the Nelson Bay Warriors who edged out the previously unbeaten Mayfield Mystics 27-23 to bring home the Seniors Division Four premiership trophy.
They won 11 of their 13 fixtures to grab fourth spot before earning a Grand Final berth with resounding victories over Souths Maple (42-20) and second ranked Newcastle City Bluebelles (35-23) in the preliminary final.
Under the inspirational leadership of captain-coach Katie Schein, the Bay seniors stood up to be counted under intense pressure as the previously undefeated Mystics stumbled at the final hurdle.
Other Nelson Bay seniors to impress were Abbey Hunter, Brooke Hunter, Chelsea Johnson, Lucy Levido, Amber Redman, Melody Tibbs and Ella Jones.
The Bay’s number one Under 17s can hold their heads high after finishing runners-up in the Division Two competition.
After winning their opening seven matches comprehensively in Division Three, the Nelson Bay side was placed up a division.
They finished the preliminary rounds with 12 victories and only one loss to the Wests Leagues Warriors – who they went on to defeat 38-22 in the preliminary final.
The team then lost to Souths Ash 29-15 in the Division Two grand final.
By Chris KARAS
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