After more than a decade Merimbula has been crowned the new Sapphire Cup netball challenge champions.
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The inter-club challenge used to be a regular feature on the netball calendar until around ten years ago when it was left by the wayside.
But thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers including members from the Bega, Merimbula and Bombala netball clubs the competition is back up and running.
This year the challenge was held at three locations, the first at Merimbula, the second at Bombala and with the final round in Bega on Sunday, August 14.
It was a close contest but at the end of three tough days of competition over three months it was the Merimbula District Netball Association that came out on top.
The crowd couldn’t have asked for a closer decider in the final game of the series between Bega and Merimbula in the opens division.
With Bega winning the first match in Merimbula and Merimbula out scoring Bega at the Bombala carnival it all came down to who was on form on Sunday.
It really was anyone’s game, the score went back and forth throughout the four quarters but in the final seconds Merimbula scored which put them in front 27 to 26 when the siren sounded.
Merimbula opens captain Jane Blomfield said she was extremely proud of her team.
“They managed to hold it together through some close games to come away with the win. We all gave 110 per cent and knew our roles to get the job done,” she said.
“Kath Musgrove and Kellie Finn provided strong defence within the circle. This defence was consistent down the court by Kaycee west and Shelley de Costa. Our shooters, particularly Shae Lawler were great under pressure.”
Tournament organiser Michelle Kelly of Sapphire Coast netball said she was happy that they finally managed to get the cup up and running but she said she hopes it is bigger and better in the future.
“We would love to have all the junior ages groups as well as an over 35s, and maybe even a men’s open competition. It is all about getting netball in area to grow and to attract new players,” she said.