Jets and Fever teams crowned winners in 2023 Harvey Netball Association junior grand finals

The 2023 Harvey Netball Association season has come to a close, with the winners being crowned for two junior divisions last week.

It was a great night of action at the Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre on September 18 as four teams battled it out for the two titles.

The high school division final between the Vixens and Fever was a game of great skill and teamwork as players put their best foot forward on the court.

It was the Fever who scored the first points on the board, though both teams were kept to single digits in the first quarter.

Going into half-time, the Vixens were looking in trouble with their opponents up 17-9.

The team were hit with three unanswered goals from Fever returning from the break, before they started to fight back.

Despite their best efforts, it was ultimately Fever who took home the crown with a comfortable 40-23 victory.

Winning team member Matilda Cumbers was awarded the best-and-fairest medal for the match.

In the primary school division final, the Jets scored a well-fought win against the Fever, winning the match 17-13.

Fever player Marli Blechynden was voted best and fairest of the game.

The family of late association life member Shirley Hall was honoured during the awards ceremony, following her unexpected death last month.

Vice-president Coralee Italiano said Hall has played, coached and umpired within the association, alongside serving as president and records keeper.

“Shirley was a much-loved and respected member of our club, and many other clubs in the Harvey community,” she said.

Players in the high school division final wore black armbands during the game and the association made a donation to the Salvation Army in her honour.

In the primary school division, Eva Gugiatti and Marli Blechynden were dual runner-up winners for the best-and-fairest award, with Indigo Cox-Whelan taking out the main honour.

There was another draw for runner-up best and fairest in the high school division, with the honour being shared by Valentina Tirli and Matilda Cumbers.

Pippa Olde was the high school division fairest and best for 2023.

It was not only players honoured, with the up-and-coming umpire award given to Alyssa Baggetta.