A massive season culminated in the best possible way at the Newcastle Netball Association (NNA)… with grand finals on a stunning weekend.

Thirty-seven champion teams were crowned at National Park on Saturday 16 September, following an outstanding day of competition, which was capped by the 2023 Greater Bank Tri Series.

With all courts filled, and thousands of spectators watching on, the players – young and young-at-heart – showcased their silky skills as they battled it out for glory.

In the feature division, West Leagues Balance did it the hard way to upstage University of Newcastle (UoN) 1 56-40.

After finishing the rounds in third spot, the side had to eliminate Nova Thunder 47-38 in week one of the play-offs and then the Souths Lions 29-28 in a thrilling preliminary final to progress through to the decider.

A fortnight earlier, UoN1 upset minor premiers Souths 51-49, gaining a direct path into the finale.

But, when it counted most, Wests rose to the occasion to secure an emphatic 16-goal victory.

In the open section, University of Newcastle finally had something to cheer about, spoiling Nova Storm’s party in a nail-biter.

Reversing the fortunes of their previous encounter, which the latter won 61-39, UoN2 held its nerve to prevail 50-49, keeping the crowd on its toes until the dying seconds.

The under-23 grade resulted in another title to West Leagues Balance, who accounted for University of Newcastle 44-26.

It capped a great year for the team in the Tri Series, dropping just one game.

Greater Bank’s head of retail David Baker said the organisation was thrilled to support NNA.

“We’ve been on board for more than two decades,” he explained.

“So, this ongoing partnership is playing a pivotal role in player and pathway development.

“We’re proud to see netball back to its best, especially after a couple of challenging seasons due to the pandemic.”

Newcastle Netball Association 2023 grand final results:

• 10 years Div 1: West Leagues Poppies 18 d Cardiff Cyclones 13
• 10 years Div 2: South Wallsend Cozmics 25 d Souths Pluto 21
• 10 years Div 3: Cardiff Cobras 20 d SPNC Seashells 14
• 11 years Div 1: Kotara South Pumas 29 d West Leagues Maltesers 23
• 11 years Div 2: MWNC Turtledoves 40 d West Leagues Lollipops 23
• 11 years Div 3:  Mayfield Genies 24 d Cardiff Jetz 15
• 12 years Div 1: Hydra Stars 30 d West Leagues Raindrops 16
• 12 years Div 2: NGS7 28 d South Wallsend Sonics 2
• 12 years Div 3: Mayfield Celtics 17 d Cardiff Katz 12
• 13 years Div 1: Souths Carbon 34 d West Leagues Cobbers 33
• 13 years Div 2: Waratah Capris 26 d West Leagues Tangoes 17
• 13 years Div 3: Cardiff Wavebreakers 24 d Souths Zinc 15
• Intermediate Div 1: Nova Protons 32 d Kotara South Dynamoes 29
• Intermediate Div 2: Souths Amethyst 45 d SVNC Zodiacs 32
• Intermediate Div 3: MWNC Sparrows 35 d Kotara South Contax 25
• Intermediate Div 4: NGS4 54 d Junction Jetsetters 27
• 17 years Div 1: West Leagues Emeralds 35 d Norths 31
• 17 years Div 2: West Leagues Dodgers 39 d Mayfield Phoenix 23
• 17 years Div 3: Waratah Spitfires 41 d Souths Redwood 25
• 17 years Div 4: Souths Hickory 33 d NGS2 22
• 21 years Div 1: West Leagues Wildcats 47 d West Leagues Rosellas 44
• 21 years Div 2: UONNC 4 44 d West Leagues Novos 26
• 21 years Div 3: NGS1 42 d Souths Elm 37
• 21 years Div 4: Wanderers Navy 47 d Kotara South Defenders 12
• Seniors Div 1: Kotara South Falcons 50 d Souths Aspen 20
• Seniors Div 2: OWP 50 d The Albion Hotel 32
• Seniors Div 3: Mayfield Firebirds 36 d West Leagues Impacts 27
• Seniors Div 4: Souths Chandon 48 d Newcastle City Bluebelles 46
• Seniors Div 5: Kotara South Eagles 44 d Hamilton North Bowling Club 38
• Seniors Div 6: SPNC Barracudas 36 d Mayfield Lasers 26
• Seniors Div 7: Pinaroo Coastal 39 d Newcastle City Bluebottles 33
• Seniors Div 8: Mayfield Meteors 39 d SPNC Sirens 31
• Seniors Div 9: SPNC Beach Belles 48 d Wanderers Blue Bettys 42
• Seniors Div 10: Waratah Here If You Need 42 d West Leagues Coloradoes 26

Greater Bank NNA Tri Series

• Under-23s: West Leagues Balance 44 d University of Newcastle 26
• Open: University of Newcastle 50 d Nova Storm 49
• Championship: West Leagues Balance 56 d University of Newcastle 40

For more sports stories:

• Hunter Netball: Ella Smith named Metro MVP
• AFLHCC: Newcastle City wins three flags in milestone season
• Knights’ brave finals charge ends in New Zealand

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