EAST Warrnambool netballer Brooke Rudezky probably won’t get her own personal, colour co-ordinated cheer squad in tomorrow’s Warrnambool and District league grand final at Reid Oval. And that’s only because those who are willing to give her one are playing with her. The Bombers girls impressively went all out for their teammate in last weekend’s Big V grand final, decking themselves out in green wigs, hats and specially made T-shirts. Unfortunately, despite the strong support, the Warrnambool Mermaids weren’t able to get across the line against Altona, but East will be hoping to replace Rudezky’s basketball heartbreak with happiness tomorrow when the Bombers aim for back-to-back netball flags against Merrivale.
EAST Warrnambool has two A grade players who will have different preparations compared to their teammates for the big game. Dee Jaynes and Jodie Hayes are involved in the 17 and under grand final, with Jaynes the coach, while Hayes will play both juniors and seniors tomorrow. The Bombers have several family connections tomorrow as Jodie’s dad Gary is team manager for the under 17s. Meanwhile, Jaynes’ daughters Rachel and Sarah play for the under 17s along with Melissa Burt, who is the sister of A grade coach Katie Burt. Melissa is set to sit on the bench for A grade, which also includes her other sister, Lisa Anders.
HAMPDEN league will use one netball court in both semi-finals this weekend due to forecast wet weather. It means one court at Gardens Oval tomorrow will be for spectators as the surrounding area is rain-affected. At Friendly Societies’ Park on Sunday, all matches are expected to be played on the top court. All matches will begin on the hour, starting with the 13 and unders at 9am, 15s at 10am, 17s at 11am, A2 at noon, A1 at 1pm and seniors at 2pm.
SUPPORTERS from four Warrnambool and District league clubs will have their seats firmly planted in one spot for tomorrow’s grand finals. Unusually, two clubs will be playing against each other in back-to-back matches on two occasions. Kolora-Noorat and Old Collegians will duel in both the 15 and under and 15 and under reserves grand finals, while Allansford and South Rovers have advanced to both the B grade and A reserve season deciders.
HERE’S a recruiting trick you probably haven’t heard before. Camperdown netball export Sarah Wall was successfully drawn back to her former club Melbourne Vixens, with star defender Bianca Chatfield obviously wanting to be her teammate again. Chatfield, a close friend of Wall’s, used pictures of last year’s victorious trans-Tasman championship team to try and help lure the mid-courter back to her home state.
IT was a battle between teammates for Mininera and District Netball Association’s A grade best and fairest. SM&W Rovers’ Sarah Higgins polled 28 votes to claim the honour ahead of teammate Andrea Collins (26 votes). In third spot was Woorndoo-Mortlake’s Jessica Cameron, who attracted 23 votes. Cameron started the season with North Warrnambool Eagles’ A1 side before crossing to the Tigers. The goaler sat on the Eagles’ A1 bench last Sunday in their elimination final victory over Koroit.
SOUTH West District Football Netball League has also crowned its A grade best and fairest winner, with Tyrendarra’s Cherie Baker polling 22 votes to take out the award. Runner-up was Larissa Carr, of Heathmere, who finished with 19 votes. Baker will be hoping to steer the Darras to victory tomorrow when the team clashes with Coleraine in the preliminary final.
WARRNAMBOOL City Netball Association has started a new season for its ladies’ and mixed competitions but that doesn’t mean you can’t enter a side. Association president Amelia Smith said people were still welcome to enter teams, with anyone interested in playing asked to contact the stadium.
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