Narrogin hold court to reach open grand final as Great Southern Regional Championships roll into Albany

Narrogin and Districts Netball Association reached the grand final in the open division of the Great Southern Regional Championships, which took place at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre from July 18-20. The competition attracted 29 teams from Great Southern associations, competing in five different age groups. Selection for the Great Southern Regional Development Academy was also on the agenda for players who want to be in with a chance of joining the pathway to the elite game. Those picked for the academy earn places at training camps in Albany and Katanning before choices are made for the Fever in Time training squad. NDNA met Esperance in the open grand final, leading for a period in the first quarter but eventually going down 68-48. From 13-10 up, they allowed Esperance five goals on the trot to trail 15-13 at the first break and then a 12-goal romp by the eventual champions to close the second quarter put recovery well beyond their reach. Narrogin goal shooter Regina Kickett was the division’s top scorer while goal keeper Clare Conlan and centre Gaige Kapene worked hard through the middle. They also lost to Esperance in their group campaign but registered comfortable victories against Ongerup, Albany Green and Denmark. The 16-and-under side beat Esperance, Denmark and Ongerup but lost to both Albany teams to miss a grand final berth that was eventually won by Albany Green. Chelsea Ugle was named NDNA’s star player for her excellent defending and sportsmanship. The 14-and-under team struggled in their group with losses to Esperance, Albany Green and Denmark. They battled hard in their semi-final against Denmark but were undone by a tough second quarter where they failed to score. Changes by coach Julie-Anne Grout switched the game after the break with Courtney Batt and Lucy Sands combining well in defence and mid-court rotations breathing new life into those positions. Candice Ugle, Marley Steere, Sierra Staporek and Indie Cooper found their shooting accuracy but although they narrowed the gap, Denmark held on to win 25-19. In the 12-and-under category, Narrogin beat Esperance 20-9 but lost to the two Albany sides and Ongerup. Overall, Albany took three titles, at 12s, 16s and 20s with Esperance triumphing in the 14s and open categories. Regional awards were presented to those who had made an impact off the court. Jodie Sercombe, of NDNA, was named the Aware Super Volunteer of the Year and her association colleague Regina Kickett won the sportsmanship award.