The 2022 South Coast HART Regional League took place over the weekend at the Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre, with 13 teams from around the South Coast region competing across three divisions.
In Division 3, Day one was dominated by the Southern Highlands going undefeated and finishing top of the table followed by Eurobodalla, Wollondilly and Goulburn rounding out the top 4.
The Division 3 major semi-final saw the Southern Highlands take on Goulburn for a place in the Grand Final. Goulburn fought hard, but in the end the Southern Highlands were too good, wining 65-19. In the minor semi-final, Eurobodalla took on Wollondilly. This was a highly contested match, but in the end, Wollondilly managed to hold off a late challenge from Eurobodalla in the final quarter to take the win 32-31.
The 3rd place play-off in Division 3, saw Eurobodalla defeat Goulburn 51-18 and take third place.
Southern Highlands came away with the win against Wollondilly 46-32 in the Division 3 Grand Final.
Division 2 saw tight competition throughout day one, with Southern Highlands finishing undefeated and on top of the ladder closely followed by Goulburn, Queanbeyan and Illawarra rounding out the top four.
The Division 2 major semi-final saw the Southern Highlands take on Kiama. After a slow start from Southern Highlands in the first quarter, they finally proved too strong for Kiama, winning 49-34. The minor semi-final saw the 2021 Grand Final rematch between Goulburn and Queanbeyan. After a tight first quarter, Queanbeyan proved too strong winning 41-28.
The 3rd place play-off was to see Goulburn verse take on Kiama, unfortunately Goulburn had to withdraw, leaving Kiama to take out 3rd place.
The Division 2 Grand Final saw, Southern Highlands take on Queanbeyan. Southern Highlands got off to a fast start in the first quarter but Queanbeyan fought back hard in the second quarter to only trail by two at half time. The Southern Highlands took all the momentum away in the second half to defeat Queanbeyan 39-30.
Division 1 saw some great battles and close games, and it was Illawarra finishing the minor rounds undefeated and on top of the ladder. Queanbeyan closely followed losing only one match in minor rounds, followed by Illawarra 17s and Shoalhaven who rounded out the top four teams heading to the final’s series.
The major semi-final saw Illawarra Opens play Shoalhaven. Shoalhaven fought hard but Illawarra were too strong defeating Shoalhaven 53-30. The minor semi-final saw Queanbeyan take on Illawarra 17s with Queanbeyan stronger on the day defeating the Illawarra 17s, 46-38 setting up a top of the table Grand Final clash between Illawarra Opens and Queanbeyan.
The Division 1 3rd Place play-off ended with Illawarra 17s defeating Shoalhaven Opens 62-29.
In the Division 1 Grand-Final, Queanbeyan started well, taking a 2 goal lead into the first break, but Illawarra Opens fought back hard in the second quarter takin a two goal lead into the half time break. A tight third quarter from both sides saw Illawarra Opens take all the momentum into the fourth quarter to claim a 10 goal victory over Queanbeyan with a final score of 39-29 and Illawarra Opens crowned as the South Coast Regional League Champions..
Regional League is also not possible without the team of dedicated umpires officiating matches over the weekend, thank you to all the team in white and a special mention to the Grand Final Umpires for Division 1 Heidi Walton, Poppy Calder and Kaylee Wood, Division 2 Shayla Carl, Kasey Scoble and Tanya Baker and Division 3 Jessie Reynolds, Kyra Baker and Neryl East.
Thank you to Umpire Allocators Kim Chan, Jodie Correia and Karen Dawson who worked with the umpires throughout the competition. Congratulations to the following umpires awarded their National B Badge over the weekend, Poppy Calder (Illawarra District Association) Kasey Scoble (Illawarra District Netball Associaition) and Shayla Carl (Wollondilly Netball Association).
