STRONG self-belief and team camaraderie have delivered a premiership for Medowie Netball Club’s Riptides in the Maitland Association Intermediate Division 2 competition.
In arguably their finest performance of the season, the Riptide toppled the highly fancied West Rutherford Rapid 33-26 in the recent grand final to cap a fruitful season for the Medowie club.
Under the coaching of newly elected Nelson Bay Netball Association president Sarah Milton and manager Alyssa Weaver, the Medowie girls showed their skill, durability and will to win to claim the title.
Talented shooters Macey Matthews and Brynne Dagwell spearheaded the victory with their accuracy under the ring and were ably supported by midcourters Emillie Weaver, Kalani Spackman, Alannah Timney, Marley Lester, Bella McFarlane, Harlow Colley, Eden Colley and defenders Maeve Lewis and Brooklyn Terry.
The grand final triumph was all the more pleasing for the Riptide after losing their qualifying final against the Rapid by 21 goals (42-21) just a fortnight prior.
Medowie advanced to the decider with a 34-24 victory over Thornton Vivid in the preliminary final.
Inspired by their vocal crew of loyal and passionate supporters, the Riptide overcame illness and a spate of injuries to bring home the honours with a dominant performance.
Two of the girls, Alannah and Bella, were playing their first season of netball while Macey, Harlow and Emillie chalked up their fourth successive grand final appearance after premiership success with Nelson Bay’s All Stars.
Eleven-year-old Eden Colley revelled in the midcourt against players three years her senior and proved a vital cog in the decider.
Proud coach Sarah Milton told News Of The Area that all 11 Riptides made a significant contribution to the championship win and lifted during the finals series.
“They have a strong connection on and off court and were determined to finish the season on a high note” she said.
Medowie Netball Club also claimed the Maitland A Grade 2 premiership with the Kaos team edging out Maitland Rugby Blacks 34-32 and finished runners-up in the Port Stephens Association Intermediate 1 series after a 42-31 grand final loss to East Maitland Aces.
By Chris KARAS
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