Region Six: North West (Northern Inland)

This years North West Regional League Competition saw ten teams, representing six associations battle it out over two days in hope to be crowned winners. The competition, played at Tamworth Sports Dome, was held on the 1st and 2nd of April, 2023. 

At the conclusion of match rounds, the finals series began with Quirindi and Tamworth Division 2 sitting comfortably at the top of their division ladders. Armidale took fifth spot in both divisions, however, not without a strong fight all weekend. 

It was an exciting start to Division 2 finals as a second place Glen Innes took on Narrabri sitting in third. Glen Innes came out strong, but it was Narrabri who took the lead winning the semi final by two goals securing them a spot in the grand final later that day. Tamworth defeated Inverell to secure their place in the grand final match.

The Division 1 finals also delivered some big changes in ladder positions. An undefeated Quirindi played Inverell and secured their spot in the grand final match. Second place Tamworth took on Glen Innes who were sitting in third. Both teams came out strong and determined to be team to take on Quirindi in the grand final. By the end of the first half, the scores were close and the crowd all sat in anticipation not knowing what the next fifteen minutes would bring. In the second half, Glen Innes took a convincing lead to end Tamworth’s finals campaign by seven goals. 

The first grand final match saw Tamworth and Narrabri play for the Division 2 title. A well-drilled Tamworth side took an early lead with Narrabri fighting hard to keep the win within reach. Tamworth’s tight defence, speedy movement down the court and accurate shooters meant that by the final buzzer, Tamworth had a convincing win.

The final match of the day saw defending champions Quirindi take on Glen Innes. Both teams fought hard to take the lead, with Quirindi doing so early on. With the crowd on the edge of their seats, Glen Innes took the lead in the second half making Quirindi work hard to come back. In the final minutes, Quirindi were able to retake the lead and secure the Division 1 title. 

The region also awarded a player from each Division with the Dorothy ‘Dot’ Lockwood Memorial Trophy – North West Regional League Most Valuable Player. Division 1 MVP, Phoebe Porter (Quirindi) and Division 2 MVP, Tarnee Ingram (Tamworth). 

It was not only a best players on display at Regional League; but our best coaches and umpires as well. Thank you to the Umpire Allocations Team, Lyn O’Brien (Tamworth), Sarah Horne (Tamworth) and Peter Lees (Tamworth) for all of your work with the umpires throughout the competition. A thank you also goes to our selectors Jodi Kent, Allison Faulkner and Joanne Horniman who were selecting the North West Regional State Cup team which will represent the region at the Regional State Cup later this year. 

Region Manager Lauren Smart