Schein’s spirited seniors snare Newcastle Division Four netball title

NELSON Bay netballer Katie Schein personifies courage, determination and tenacity on court.

When her batch of Port Stephens-based players lined up against hot favourites Mayfield Mystics in the recent Newcastle Seniors Division Four Grand Final at the National Park courts they faced an uphill task.

The all conquering Mystics had yet to lose a fixture during the 2025 season and were tipped by netball pundits to complete an incredible season with an undefeated record.

But captain-coach Schein and her revved up team mates had other ideas and pulled off a spirited 27-23 victory over the Mystics to bring home the championship trophy.

Under stalwart Katie’s inspirational leadership, the Bay seniors stood up to be counted under intense pressure as the previously undefeated Mystics stumbled at the final hurdle.

Even the cruel loss of talented 17-year-old centre Chelsea Johnson – the Nelson Bay Representative Netballer of the Year – with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) after just three minutes on court couldn’t phase the giant-killing Bay squad.

They rose to the occasion with Abbey Hunter, Brooke Hunter, Lucy Levido, Amber Redman, Melody Tibbas and Ella Jones all producing superb performances to bury the more fancied Mystics.

Nelson Bay won eleven of their thirteen fixtures to grab fourth spot before earning a Grand Final berth with resounding victories over Souths Magpies (42-20) and second ranked Newcastle City Bluebelles (35-23) in the preliminary final.

The Seniors Division Four premiership triumph followed Nelson Bay’s decisive 29-11 victory over West Wallsend Wranglers in the Newcastle 17 years Division Five title decider.

Under the coaching of Suzanne Shelley, the talented Bay 17 years squad finished their Newcastle campaign undefeated and helped bring home a rare premiership double.

By Chris KARAS