Champions! National All Schools Netball Challenge

Our combined Year 9 and Year 10 Intermediate Girls’ Netball Team took part in the inaugural National All Schools Netball Challenge, organised by Schools in Action from Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 August and held in Bendigo, at Red Energy Arena.

The Tournament was host to schools from all over the country, including South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

The competition was a 6-team round robin format, that concluded with a finals round to determine the overall placings.

The Catherine McAuley College (CMC) girls were incredible as they worked their way through the event, playing two full games per day and never shifting focus from team success.  They gave their all in every match and their never give up attitude was permanently on show.

Each game saw the girls negate any challenges that were thrown at them, as their teamwork and cohesion improved throughout the tournament.  The coaches worked their magic as they were able to give all players valuable time on court, which ultimately contributed to the momentum and success of the team.

The Grand Final was a thriller with both teams playing some exceptional netball. The ability of our team to stay calm and have belief in themselves was the difference in the end that saw them finish as Champions. They played a brilliant team game as Rowville Sports Academy threw a multitude of on-court combinations at them, to try and break them down.  However, the girls were steadfast and despite Rowville pulling ahead in the third quarter, CMC’s ability to shift to a higher level of calm intensity was brilliant to watch.  They were considered with their play and managed to take back the lead with just minutes left to play in the final quarter.  As the last hectic two minutes played out, the girls were able to consolidate and score goals as well as effect turnovers, despite Rowville throwing everything at them. Their outstanding performance saw CMC finish the match four goals in front, to be named the inaugural champions of the National All Schools Netball Challenge.

The round results were as follows:

• Round 1 vs Bendigo Education – ADP:  CMC 58 def. ADP 35
• Round 2 vs Marsden State High School (Qld):  CMC 48 def. Marsden 26.
• Round 3 vs Windsor High School (NSW):  CMC 79 def. Windsor 9
• Round 4 vs Rowville Sports Academy (Vic):  CMC 40 drew with Rowville 40
• Round 5 vs Kildare College (SA):  CMC 49 def. Kildare 45

Grand Final vs Rowville Sports Academy (Vic) quarter by quarter scores below.

•  ¼ time: CMC 12 – 9
• ½ time: CMC 24 – Rowville 18
• ¾ time: CMC 30 – Rowville 33
• Full Time: CMC 42 def. Rowville 38

The tournament was an incredible experience, with all the players and coaches extremely grateful for the opportunity to be involved.  To meet and play against teams from interstate was the highlight, as new connections were made and friendships established.

Sincere thanks to Mrs Clare Hope and Mrs Julie Fennell for coaching the girls and always giving your very best.  We are grateful for your commitment, dedication and collective decision-making which led to this excellent result.

Thank you to Maeve Cass for being our team statistician, you were outstanding! We know you were devastated to be injured and not be able to play, but despite this, your encouragement and enthusiasm was second to none and invaluable to all.

Thank you to Tarah Frawley for being our team official and scoring each game. In particular, thank you for performing the most outstanding version of the National Anthem many have ever heard – you were incredible! Thank you also for your support of the team; you, along with Maeve, were amazing.

Lastly, thank you to all the parents, families, friends and CMC staff who supported the girls throughout this journey.  Your encouragement, your presence and your praise were invaluable to their morale. This reassurance of them being backed by their community was just what they needed and they knew that they were not alone in their endeavours.

Well done everyone…being National Champions is brilliant.

Mrs Maree Pearce, Activities Coordinator

National All Schools Netball Challenge Team
TEAM: Ciarah McDermott, Maeve Cass, Lila Kelly, Diana Napoleon, Harriette Whiteacre, Mrs Julie Fennell (Coach), Mrs Clare Hope (Coach), Tarah Frawley (Team Official), Charlize Pinder, Neve Pinner, Lexie Austen, Jaida Raco, Lilly Hope, Tess Mills