14-&Under “B”
Boort v. St Arnaud: Finals pressure was evident from the outset, with both teams guilty of early turnovers. Once settled midway through the quarter, there was some great ball movement into space. St Arnaud proved more efficient in converting opportunities, taking a 7–2 lead into quarter-time.
Strong midcourt play allowed St Arnaud to continue building momentum throughout the second and third quarters, steadily extending its advantage.
In the final term, Boort’s defenders worked tirelessly to create turnovers and provide their shooters with opportunities. However, St Arnaud maintained its composure and capitalised on its chances to close out the game.
Final score: St Arnaud 21 d. Boort 7.
14-&Under “A”
Boort v. Birchip-Watchem: Both teams started strongly, with each converting their first centre pass. Play was even throughout the opening quarter, with fluent passages of movement and impressive defensive intercepts at both ends. Boort made the most of its height advantage in the goal circle to take a narrow two-goal lead into quarter time.
Birchip-Watchem opened the second quarter positively, regaining a centre pass early. Precision passing from both sides allowed for flowing netball, while defensive units continued to read the play well and restrict scoring opportunities. At half-time, Boort maintained a two-goal advantage.
In the third quarter, Birchip-Watchem’s defenders provided numerous opportunities, and their shooters capitalised when given the chance. However, Boort’s circle defence was a formidable force, making it difficult for the Bulls to find easy access to the post. At the other end, Boort’s shooters remained consistent, extending the lead to five goals at three-quarter time.
With nothing to lose, Birchip-Watchem made several positional changes entering the final quarter, which proved effective early as it clawed the margin back to three goals. Boort steadied, but the Bulls continued to push, reducing the deficit to just two in the dying minutes. A final goal from Boort in the last minute sealed the game, securing a hard-fought victory.
Final score: Boort 20 d. Birchip-Watchem 17.
17-&Under “A”
Calder United v. Birchip-Watchem: Set to be a high-quality, skilful contest, the game certainly lived up to expectations from the opening whistle. Calder United started strongly, capitalising on early opportunities and punishing any unforced errors made by the Bulls to establish an early lead.
Birchip-Watchem settled into the game in the second quarter, scoring quickly, but the six-goal margin remained. Both teams displayed outstanding ball movement through the court, with exceptional delivery into the circle, ensuring a fast-paced, high-scoring first half. At the break, the Lions held a 33-27 advantage.
The second half was dictated largely by Calder United, which used its rolling substitutions to inject fresh legs and maintain intensity. The Bulls continued to trial different combinations in an effort to slow the Lions’ momentum, but the opposition proved too strong and consistent across the court.
Calder United secured a convincing victory and, with it, a place in the grand final.
Final score: Calder United 62 d. Birchip-Watchem 44.
“C” Reserve
Boort v. Sea Lake-Nandaly: Sea Lake-Nandaly began the match positively, forcing numerous turnovers and converting accurately in the goal circle. However, Boort gained composure, and through patience with ball movement, was able to work its way back into the contest to trail by just one goal at quarter-time.
Boort continued its disciplined play in the second quarter, capitalising on opportunities and stretching the margin to five goals by the main break.
Midway through the third quarter, positional changes helped the Tigers’ attacking end settle, and their defensive pressure was rewarded with turnovers that were converted to goals. The margin was reduced to only three by three-quarter time, setting up a tight final term.
In the last quarter, Boort regained control, lifting its
intensity and applying scoreboard pressure to extend its lead. Despite Sea Lake-Nandaly’s persistence, Boort steadied to take a well-earned victory.
Final score: Boort 43 d. Sea Lake-Nandaly 34.
“C” Grade
Calder United v. Wedderburn: Wedderburn settled quickly into the match, scoring early and taking a strong 9-2 lead before Calder United found its rhythm. Calder responded well, closing the gap to just two goals by quarter-time.
The second quarter was dominated by the Lions, who connected strongly through the court and capitalised on opportunities to swing the momentum in their favour. By half-time, they had taken control, leading 30-23.
The third quarter proved evenly matched, with both sides working hard to maintain possession and apply pressure.
In the final term, Calder United built on its attacking connections, with its goalers rotating effectively and rewarding the team’s hard work. The Lions steadied and extended their lead, running out comfortable winners.
Final score: Calder United 59 d. Wedderburn 44.
“B” Grade
Wedderburn v Calder United: The Redbacks stamped their authority early, moving the ball fluently in attack and finishing with accuracy. Their defensive unit applied relentless pressure, forcing Calder United to work hard for every score, while also claiming clean intercepts.
The Lions tested a number of combinations throughout the match in search of momentum, but were unable to match Wedderburn’s consistency across the court. The Redbacks claimed every quarter and ran out convincing winners.
Final score: Wedderburn 57 d. Calder United 31.
“A” Grade
Wedderburn v. Boort: The penultimate game of the day lived up to expectations, played at a furious pace that produced plenty of turnovers. At quarter-time, the scores were locked away at 11 apiece, with neither side able to gain an edge.
The second term remained tightly contested. The Redbacks made positional changes in search of momentum, but it was Boort which edged ahead to take a slender one-goal lead into the main break.
As the physicality lifted in the third quarter, Wedderburn made further adjustments that proved effective. The Redbacks capitalised on their opportunities and built the biggest lead of the game, five goals, heading into three-quarter time.
Boort responded strongly in the final term, with midcourt changes sparking a surge that brought it back within one goal. An injury forced a late reshuffle that initially unsettled the Magpies, but they regained composure to challenge in the dying minutes. In the end, Wedderburn held firm to claim a thrilling one-goal victory.
Final score: Wedderburn 64 d. Boort 45.
Netball
Netball Second Semi-finals
Sep 05 2025
5 min read
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