Albany end trophy drought at members championships

Albany Netball Association emerged victorious from their campaign at the Netball WA 2019 Fuel to Go & Play Association Championships in Perth over the WA Day long weekend.

For the first time in some years, Albany came away with a trophy after their win in the 14-and-under division 2 grand final.

Adjusting to warm temperatures and playing in outdoor conditions, Albany finished on top of the ladder after winning five of their six games to reach the decider.

They won their first game of the campaign by a single goal before losing 14-22 to Success, but bounced back to win their next five games, including the grand final.

Albany proved too strong for Mandurah, winning the decider 21-8, with shooters Maggie Hardiman and Paige Narkle proving a winning combination up front.

Margie Jones, Phoenix Woods and Tea Ethridge worked well together, turning defence into attack time after time and coach Rosemary Wolter praised her side’s desire to improve.

The 15-and-under Albany team faced tough competition in division two against strong Metro League teams.

They started with a win over Perth and lost a close one against Joondalup, 28-25, and needing a win in their last game opposed to Kalamunda to reach the grand final, they fell short by six goals.

Recently selected State schoolgirls player Casey Griffiths was outstanding all weekend and Jade Dimer was a constant threat at goal attack.

A young Albany side played in open division three, performing well, but were undone by the experience of Bunbury, Rockingham and Eastern Goldfields.

Albany got better as the tournament went on, winning their last three games, led by centre court star Sophie Lynch.

The 12-and- under team won five of their seven games. Against strong opposition, the 13-and-under and 17-and-under Albany sides struggled to win games.

Five badged umpires Latrice Porter, Lyndsey Unwin, Sophie Loveridge, Sophie Porter and Maddy Hines represented the ANA at the championships.