THE business end of the season has arrived for the Hampden league and unfortunately for Darcy Saunders, she only has one item on the agenda this weekend.
The Warrnambool goaler has played both 17 and unders and seniors this season.
Both of the sides have made it into tomorrow's qualifying final but due to the league's laws, Darcy is only able to line up in one grade per finals weekend.
Blues co-ordinator Trish McLeod said the teenager would play in tomorrow's senior match against Terang Mortlake and miss taking to the court for the 17 and under game against South Warrnambool. "That's what the club did last year,'' she said, adding the club thought the rule was inconsistent.
"The club has put in a submission again this year for it to be looked at and reviewed and voted on by other clubs.''
NORTH Warrnambool Eagles' Laura Blackburn could be in the same boat as Darcy next weekend.
Her 17 and under side earned a break this weekend after finishing on top of the ladder. The Eagles' senior side plays tomorrow against Camperdown in the elimination final.
If it wins, the Eagles will have to make a choice on whether Laura plays 17s or seniors next weekend.
It's unfair and unfortunate seeing as these talented juniors have trained and played with both teams all season.
Surely the rule needs to be changed and state that they can only play in one grade all season or both grades all season.
The latter seems more sensible as it gives them a chance to both play with their friends and develop their netball by playing seniors against the best in the league.
GUESS who?
One particular team has been spotted leaving a school stadium on several mornings, fitting in some extra training sessions during the finals series.
The earlybirds will be hoping their high work ethic - which hasn't dropped off during the season - is rewarded in the best possible way next weekend. First they have a small hurdle to overcome tomorrow.
IF Koroit's A1 side wanted to complain to someone about being stripped of points which effectively cost the Saints a spot in the finals, Cavendish would be apt.
The Bloods' B grade team was booted out of last weekend's South West District Football Netball League elimination final because they breached a bylaw.
Thirteen-year-old Zoe Astbury took to the court in five matches. It was illegal as an open player must turn 15 during the calendar year to play.
Cavendish was stripped of the 12 premiership points it gained in the matches which Zoe competed in.
Coleraine replaced the Bloods in the elimination final but couldn't progress further, losing to Sandford by 10 goals.
IS there someone who, without them, you couldn't imagine your club running smoothly?
Mininera and District Netball Association (MDNA) has decided to honour such people by instigating a new award this season: "the person who made a difference for their club''.
Association president Anne-Maree Hughlin said Caramut treasurer Bianca Maher was a worthy inaugural recipient.
Maher not only balances the books for the Swans but is a player, umpire, fund-raiser and attends all social functions.
She received the award at the MDNA best and fairest count on Wednesday night at Glenthompson Hall.
Have anything for Courtside? Contact Kate at kbutler@standard.fairfax. com.au or on 5563 1856.
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