Broome basks in competition glory

Broome Netball Association enjoyed a great weekend of netball glory as it hosted the North West Netball Championships.

Broome took out the Division Two, 16-and-under and 12-andunder grand finals, but it was Karratha which went home with the Division One title.

After a day of fierce competition on Saturday, it only got tougher at the grand final last Sunday.

Broome spared no time to get out in front, making sure they were winning as they took their quarter- time break. But as the game progressed it was neck-and-neck, just a goal between the teams Karratha’s way, at half time.

But it was in the third quarter Broome started to lose its grip and went down nine goals, unable to claw back in a tightly-contested, goal-for-goal last-quarter.

Broome Division One coach Tash Aristei said it had been a thriller for spectators. “Both teams were putting in 150 per cent, we had lots of comments from spectators saying that every single player on the court had been awesome to watch,” she said.

Aristei said the last time Broome had played in and won a Division One final was 1990, so it had been great to get into final this year. “Normally Hedland and Karratha dominate it, so it was very refreshing to have a real mix of towns in the finals,” she said.

But there was also plenty of cheer for other levels in the championship, with five Broome teams making their grand final – and three winning them.

“Following our development comp in May, where our juniors were selected for these teams, the championships were proof that it paid off, with the 12 and under and 16 and under teams both winning their grand finals – also a testament to the hard work put in by their coaches and managers,” Aristei said.

She also thanked the volunteer training nurses who helped with strapping, and Newman’s Peter Fitzgerald who was on-hand to all teams for strapping and injuries.

Department of Sport and Recreation Kimberley manager Dean Holder congratulated and thanked local organisers and volunteers for putting on such a well organised and successful competition.

“Those that competed also should be applauded. The level of skill on display was extraordinary and the sportsmanship and spirit of camaraderie was a pleasure to see,” Holder said.

He said the competition had not only provided the region’s representative teams the chance to compete at higher levels, but showcased Broome’s sporting facilities.