Senior Netball Interleague
Netball Victoria Open Association Championships – Central Murray FNL Open Representative Team
What an incredible day representing Central Murray at the Netball Victoria Open Association Championships.
The team put together a fantastic tournament, finishing the round robin phase with 7 wins from 8 matches. Throughout the day, the players displayed determination, teamwork, resilience and skill, putting together a series of impressive performances against quality opposition from across Victoria.
Results:
• Defeated Kingston & District NA 24–7
• Defeated Eastern FNL 18–9
• Defeated Goulburn Valley FNL 14–11
• Defeated Bayside District NA 16–9
• Defeated Ariels VCNA 16–11
• Defeated Mountain District NA 24–4
• Defeated Northern Pride 26–6
• Defeated by Ovens & Murray FNL 10–17
A huge congratulations to our players who proudly represented Central Murray: Tayla Bennett (Woorinen), Jayda Plant (Tooleybuc Manangatang), Demi Hallam (Tyntynder), Karli McIntyre (Swan Hill), Lily Brennan (Mallee Eagles), Taigan O’Shannassy (Lake Boga), Emma Peacock (Koondrook Barham), Taylen Blachford (NNWU), Nevaeh Roberts (Mallee Eagles), Sophie Peacock (Koondrook Barham), Lauren Morrow (Murrabit) and Zoe Morris (Tooleybuc Manangatang).
To earn selection in a Central Murray representative team is a fantastic achievement in itself, and each player should be incredibly proud of the commitment, determination and sportsmanship they displayed throughout the tournament. You represented your clubs, communities and the Central Murray region with distinction.
The team's outstanding performances secured a place in the Semi Final, a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the effort and commitment shown by every player throughout the day.
While our campaign came to an end against a strong Murray FNL side in the Semi Final, the result does not diminish what this group accomplished. To reach the Semi Final and finish the day with seven wins from eight round matches is an achievement everyone involved should be incredibly proud of.
We started the campaign with a squad of 12, and although two players were unable to take the court due to injury, they remained a valued part of the team. One of the highlights of the tournament was the way this group supported one another, with every player embracing their role and contributing to the positive culture that made the day so successful.
This was truly a team effort, with every player stepping up when it mattered most throughout the day. A special shout-out to our defensive end, whose intensity and pressure consistently created opportunities for the team. Their ability to win ball and disrupt opposition play provided the platform for many of our attacking conversions and was instrumental in our success.
Most importantly, the players represented Central Murray with class, sportsmanship and pride. They supported one another, embraced every challenge and created memories that will last long after the final whistle. They should also be incredibly proud of the example they set for the next generation of netballers across our region. The way they conducted themselves both on and off the court showcased the qualities of true role models for our younger players to look up to.
A special thank you to Lou Bibby from Central Mallee Health, whose support throughout the day was invaluable. From preventative strapping to helping manage any niggles that arose, Lou played a huge role in keeping our players on the court and performing at their best. We are incredibly grateful for the time, expertise and care she provided to our team. Another special thanks to Sherridan Harrop for everything she has and continues to do to support our league.
A huge thank you also to all of our supporters who made the trip to Melbourne and assisted with duties throughout the day. Your willingness to help wherever needed, along with your encouragement from the sidelines, played a significant role in making the day run smoothly and contributed greatly to the success of our campaign.
Central Murray should be incredibly proud of this talented group of athletes and the way they represented our region.
