Young stars shine at carnival

More than 200 aspiring young netballers took to the courts at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre for the Albany Netball Asso-ciation’s Junior Carnival on Sunday.

A total of 25 teams took part in the annual tournament — among them eams from several Albany-based clubs and sides from Kojonup, Ongerup, Gnowangerup and Cuballing.

Round robin matches were held across the day, which decided grand finalists in each of the three divisions, with children aged nine- 13 taking part.

In the 13-and-under divisions, Raiders, combining several Albany players, proved too strong for Great Southern Grammar 8 in an epic decider as they prevailed 12 goals to 11.

Bethel were victorious in the 12-and-under grand final, easily defeating rivals Ongerup 24 goals to 1.

The 11-and-under grand final was also a tightly fought match, with GSG Gummi Bears taking out the title over Narrikup, 7-5.

Carnival co-ordinator Lisa Dimer said it was another fantastic event.

“It was a great day with lots of close games,” she said.

“We had approximately 225 kids and lots of spectators and it all ran really well.

“The younger kids ... gain great experience from this carnival.”