Nelson Bay junior netballers honoured at Presentation Night

LAVA Girls had double reason to celebrate after claiming two major honours at the Nelson Bay Netball Association Grand Finals at Tomaree Sports Complex courts in Salamander Bay last weekend.

After capturing the Cadet Division (15-17yrs) championship with an emphatic 34-22 victory over minor premiers Bluebelles in the trophy decider, the girls were later declared the association’s Team of the Year at the annual Presentation Night at Soldiers Point Bowling Club.

In a memorable three week period, the Lava Girls edged out the top ranked Bluebelles 34-31 in a qualifying final before repeating the feat on Grand Final morning in style.

Young gun Millah Brown was judged the umpires’ Player of the Final after a classy on court display before picking up another accolade for the Lava Girls – the Junior Umpire of the Year award.

Linda Jones’ all conquering Stingrays were crowned deserved premiers in the Junior (11-12yrs) division after toppling the Little Rippers 23-15 to finish the season undefeated.

Sharp shooters Bella Edwards and Bonnie Preston spearheaded the victory with their prowess under the ring with support from talented midcourters Sailor Jenkins, Jacinta Scott, Amarli Buckton, Isla Trayling and top defenders Gemma Edwards and Cassia Stallard.

Player of the Junior Grand Final was Little Rippers’ pocket-sized centre Faith Karas – one of twelve Nelson Bay Under 11 Development Squad representatives on court.

With her side trailing at the end of each term, the young playmaker provided slick service from the midcourt and grabbed crucial intercepts to spur on her team mates in a thrilling tussle.

Goal attacks Willoughby Weber, Eden Colley, Emily Noble and the versatile Willow Earnshaw combined effectively to sink crucial goals and keep the Little Rippers in the hunt.

Wing attack Evie Howard and the defensive unit led by promising goal keeper Eliza Jurotte, Marlowe Haecker, Zoe Royle and Charlotte Stephens also showed grit and courage as the Little Rippers stormed home in the final quarter.

But the super Stingrays staved off the challenge to finish with an unblemished record during their 2025 campaign.

Experienced mentor Jones later received the association’s Coach of the Year Award for her sterling efforts with club and representative squads during a hectic season.

All Stars clinched the Intermediate (13-14yrs) premiership with a 38-31 triumph over top ranked minor premiers Storm.

It was a Grand Final to savour for the skillful All Stars, who finished third in the regular season before tipping out Waveriders (66-12) and the Vipers 31-14 in elimination finals.

Storm ace Maggie Feldman capped a big match by taking out the umpires’ Player of the Final award for her classy performance.

Other award recipients included Ashlee Hall (Volunteer of the Year), Lexi Scott (Junior Recognition Award), Taylar Wilks (Senior Recognition Award), Millah Brown (Junior Umpire Award), Melody Tibbs (Senior Umpire Award), Chelsea Johnson (Kath McHutchinson Representative Player of Year Award), Mia Gambrill (Intermediate Sportsmanship Award) and Mike Plain (President’s Award).

By Chris KARAS