TRFM Gippsland League claimed an historic clean sweep of the 2016 Regional Victorian Netball League grand finals at Churchill Leisure Centre on Friday night.
Click here for a full photo gallery (courtesy of Wayne Moon and Matthew Ogilvie)
After winning every game throughout the tournament but one – an opening-round draw with Mid Gippsland in the open division – Gippsland’s three teams went into grand final night as red-hot favourites and did not disappoint.
Led by goaler Chelsea Livingstone’s perfect shooting of 14 goals from 14 attempts, Gippsland's 15-and-under team raced out to a 20-9 lead against Sale Netball Association and never looked back, securing a 64-35 victory.
Gippsland’s 19-and-under side was equally dominant in its grand final win against Sale.
A 19-goal-to-six opening term set the tone for the match, as Gippsland won every quarter on its way to a 57-31 win.
In the open division decider, Gippsland renewed acquaintances with opening round equal Mid Gippsland.
Gippsland shaded two tightly contested opening quarters 15 goals to 12 to lead by six at the main change, before tightening up on the defensive end and breaking clear with a 15-8 third term.
Ramayer Gourley’s sharp shooting (49 goals from 58 attempts) ensured Gippsland maintained consistent scoreboard pressure throughout the final and was key to the 61-43 win.
Gippsland also dominated the individual awards, with Livingstone (15-and-under) and Daisy Hill (19-and-under) winning the Hot Shot Award as the goaler with the highest shooting percentage for their respective divisions.
Taylah Brown (15-and-under) and Christie Edwards (open) scooped Most Valuable Player Awards for the tournament, while Livingstone was named Coaches Most Wanted, an initiative introduced this year in which coaches voted throughout the season for the player on the opposing team they would most like on their team.
Brown (defence), Livingstone (goaler) and Emma Allman (mid-court) were selected in the 15-and-under all-star team, Daisy Hill (goaler), Casey Sherriff (mid-court) and Shelby Wulffers (defence) made the 19-and-under side and Christie Edwards, Karin Proctor (both mid court), Courtney Garth and Caitlan Ponton (both defence) were named in the open team.
TRFM Gippsland League board member Graeme Birkett hailed the efforts of all involved.
“It was very impressive, not only to have a clean sweep of the finals, but to have a number of individual players recognised with awards,” Birkett said.
“The open game against Mid Gippsland was a real highlight and our 15-and-under team was a stunning team and those players showed they are going to be a force to be reckoned with in years to come.
“While our players and coaches were great we couldn’t have done it without our fantastic support staff doing scoring, timekeeping and first-aid, as well as our sponsor Metricon Homes.”
All three teams will now have the opportunity to contest the Champions Challenge in Melbourne later this year.
Last Modified on 22/03/2016 16:54