The highly-anticipated Regional League competition was held at Tamworth Sportsdome on the 23rd and 24th of March, 2023. Featuring 11 teams from across the region who were all vying for supremacy in an intense and fiercely competitive tournament. With each team showcasing their skills and determination, the competition promised two days of exhilarating netball action, culminating in a thrilling finals series that kept their supporters on the edge of their seats.
The opening day of the competition saw teams arriving with high spirits and intensity, eager to make their mark. From the outset, it was evident that the competition would be fierce. Players left everything on the court in pursuit of victory, setting the stage for an exhilarating finals series.
As the sun rose on the second day of the competition, teams prepared for the knockout stages and the highly anticipated finals series. With only the top teams remaining in contention, the stakes were higher than ever, Tamworth sitting first in both divisions and others only separated by goals scored.
As the finals series commenced in Division 2, Tamworth 17’s took on Armidale 17’s. Both teams packed with up-and-coming talented athletes who wanted to reward their weekend of hard work. Inverell took on underdogs Gunnedah to secure their Grand Final spot.
In Division 1, top of the ladder Tamworth took on an experienced fourth place Quirindi. Battling it out for the other spot in the Grand Final were 2023 runners up Glen Innes and a determined and well drilled Armidale side. In the second half, top teams gained their lead which would see Tamworth take on Glen Innes in the Grand Final.
The Division 2 Grand Final saw both Inverell and Tamworth pushing themselves to their limits in pursuit of the win. Both teams exhibited team work, athleticism, and intensity, with Inverell gaining a comfortable lead in the second half and taking out the title for the first time in a few years.
With the excitement of the Division 2 Grand Final, the stage was set for the match of the day. Both teams wanting to prove themselves after placing 2nd and 3rd in 2023. The Division 1 Grand Final bought together teams and spectators from around the region to cheer on both sides. Tamworth took and early lead and kept their composure to secure the win, not without a good fight from Glen Innes, whose determination kept the lead within reach.
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, Gabrielle Higgins (Tamworth) and Division 2 MVP, Mia Gentle (Tamworth).
Overall, the competition provided a great opportunity to showcase the talented athletes, umpires and coaches the North West has to offer. Thank you to the Umpire Allocations Team, Lyn O’Brien (Tamworth), Caitlin Holman (Tamworth) and Peter Lees (Tamworth) for all your work with the umpires throughout the competition. A thank you also goes to our selectors Jodi Kent, Allison Faulkner and Julie Fuller who were selecting the North West Regional State Cup team which will represent the region at the Regional State Cup later this year.
Lauren Smart
Regional Manager - North West
