LINING up against players two or three years older can be a challenging task for any sporting team.
Medowie Netball Club’s gifted junior Glitter Bombs side have covered themselves in glory again by clinching the Port Stephens Netball Association Intermediate (13-15yrs) premiership title.
Coached by Port Stephens representative netballer Felicity Pacevski, this skilful young outfit upstaged their older Bradson Phoenix rivals 31-14 in the recent Grand Final at Raymond Terrace courts, to claim a third consecutive championship.
It was an incredible feat by the Medowie team, which comprises two 11-year-olds, four 12-year-olds and three 13-year-old players, completing a stellar season.
Outstanding goal attack Olivia Pacevski – one of the best young prospects in the region – is still only 11 and has proved a key figure in the Glitter Bombs’ three titles to date.
She displayed her leadership qualities on court as team captain and showed a maturity that far belies her years.
Olivia formed a crack combination up front with goal shooter Lexi Jackson, 13, piling on the goals as the Medowie girls chalked up victories over the Terrace Central Vipers and Medowie Pulse, and Bradson Phoenix in the qualifying final.
The Phoenix upset the Glitter Bombs 30-25 in a third round fixture on May 17 – the Medowie team’s only loss in a stand out campaign.
Other players to impress were talented 12-year-old centre Madison Thornton; wing attacks Asher McDonald, 12, and Ivy Davey, 11; wing defenders Hannah Bernie, 12, and Charlotte Barry, 12; and 13-year-old goal defence Clair Cousins and goalkeeper Zahlia Stone-Krzanic.
Four of the girls – Pacevski (12yrs), plus Cousins, Stone-Krzanic and Jackson (13yrs) – all featured in this year’s Port Stephens junior representative program.
Hot shot Olivia and centre Thornton have gained selection in the 13-years rep squad for the 2026 NSW State Junior titles at Camden and Campbelltown along with Stone-Krzanic, Jackson and Cousins (14 years).
Coach Felicity, who has shone for Port Stephens in Opens and Masters teams over the years, has been at the helm for four years.
She has also coached at representative level these past three seasons and had her Glitter Bombs firing on all cylinders during their 14 match winning streak.
By Chris KARAS
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