The 17/U Vic Churches Ariels team had a successful start to the Netball Victoria Association Championships. The qualifying rounds for Central East were held at Waverley Netball Centre on May 31st. The team performed strongly throughout the preliminary rounds and were undefeated leading into finals. Qualifying for the finals they faced Kingston N. A. in the semi final and won the game 15-6. Following this win they went on to face Boroondara N. A. in the Grand Final. With all 10 players taking the court for the grand final it was a polished performance by all. Remaining undefeated for the day the team had a convincing win in the Grand Final beating Boroondara N.A. 16-4. This win qualified the team for the Finals of the Zone Championships.
On Sunday 21st June the team continued their run towards taking out the Zone Championships at the State Netball Centre. Once again the team remained undefeated throughout the qualifying rounds with strong wins against their opposition. Finishing top in their pool, Vic Churches had to play Western Border, who finished second in their pool, to gain a position in the Grand Final. A blinding performance by all team members led to a resounding 26-5 win against Western Border to secure their position in the Grand Final. Vic Churches lined up against a tall opposition in Ovens & Murray and had a tough fight on their hands. With a nervous start Vic Churches were down 4-10 at half time. Following on from the half time break things did not improve and Ovens & Murray continued their good form with Vic Churches going to 8 goals down early in the second half. Following some great intercepts and accurate goaling Vic Churches managed to fight their way back into the game. With a very strong vocal bench egging the team on, the team managed to fight their way back into the contest. With less than a minute to go Vic Churches took the lead for the first time and was able to hold on when the final siren rang. Vic Churches managed to come home strongly and win the Grand Final 15-13. There was much excitement as the team celebrated their great win to become the Netball Victoria 17/Under Zone Champions for 2009. Congratulation to all team members: Katelyn Begley, Montana Cox, Kathleen Damatopolous, Stephanie Den Elzen, Rebecca Naylor, Sarah Main, Leah Reilly, Tenille Savio, Peri Stewart, Michaela Wilson, Ali Young, Sarah Yule, Jenny Edwards (Coach) and Di Young (team manager).
Thank you to all members of Ariels-Victorian Churches for their support of the 17/Under team throughout the Zone Championships.
Team photos.
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