Broome bring back title

Broome Netball Association ended a 19-year wait to claim victory at the North West Championships, with the Kimberley town winning gold in division 1 and 2.

The BNA took five female teams to the tournament in Port Hedland on the weekend of June 15 and 16, with three junior sides and two senior outfits making the trip.

Broome had not won the division 1 title since 1994, but overcame the hosts 33-22 in the grand final in a fantastic display of netball.

The Kimberley visitors also claimed victory in the division 2 grand final, defeating Karratha 25-23 in a close encounter.

In the juniors section, both the Broome 12 and under and 14 and under sides made the grand final, but lost to Port Hedland.

The 16 and under side were unlucky not to make their grand final, missing out on percentage.

Broome’s division 1 coach Tash Aristei was in charge of the team that won the trophy back in 1994, and had to endure Port Hedland, Karratha and Newman dominating the competition since.

“We reached the grand final last year and to win it this time round shows that netball in Broome has progressed of late,” Aristei said.

“I was very emotional when the final whistle blew and I am so very proud of how my team performed on court, in front of an enormous crowd of spectators.

“All weekend, in every game they stepped up and continued to impress me. Their ability to adapt to different combinations on court, and their individual skills and talent, really shone through.”

A senior all-stars team of the tournament’s best players was comprised, with eight of the 12 spaces taken by Broome players.

Aristei was also awarded volunteer of the year for the North West netball region and senior coach of the tournament.

BNA president Juan Johnson was awarded life membership to the North West netball region.