The Charlestown Netball Association (CNA) grand finals have been run – and won, with CNC Caution claiming the senior A honours.
The organisation hosted 13 deciders – across juniors, intermediates, cadets and seniors – at the Essie Toneguzzi complex at the weekend.
After enduring rain on the Friday night, blue skies greeted the players on Saturday morning, creating perfect conditions to watch some great netball on the showcase front courts.
There was amazing energy around the precinct all day, with parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and many friends providing the support.
For many of the youngsters, this was their first experience of a grand final, with the past two years being affected by COVID-19.
But, by the end of the day, there were loads of smiles and lots of congratulations.
All affiliate clubs were represented on the winners’ podium, with victories going to Central Netball Club (CNC), Dudley-Redhead Netball Club (DRNC), Kahibah Netball Club (KNC) and United Netball Club (UNC).
There were some very tight matches played, often with the results going down to the wire in the final quarter.
The senior C finale was decided in the last few seconds, with DRNC Roxys defeating KNC Sunsets by only one point, 43-42.
The main clash, between CNC Caution and IND Estetiko, was a much-anticipated game, too, although Estetiko went into the fixture with only six players due to illness and injury.
Regardless, it was a great encounter to watch, with the favourites eventually taking the spoils 46-37.
CNC Caution’s Emma Campbell picked up the 2022 Irene Murray Medal, recognised as the most valued player in the senior A decider.
Renee Keast walked away with the 2022 Sportsmanship Award.
The Umpires Encouragement Award went to Ella Ham, while Alison Prestwidge collected the coaches’ equivalent.
Ella Young was presented with the 2022 Marie Caddies Umpires Award.
“Thank you to all the players, coaches, managers and umpires for putting on such a fabulous day of netball,” CNA president Dianne Pascoe said.
“Congratulations also to the winning teams and a huge ‘well done’ to the runners up.
“It was wonderful to see so many spectators getting involved.
“Against the background of the grand finals, we were happy to celebrate our netball community is stronger due to the efforts, enthusiasm and contributions shown by our members.”
Although the main competition season has now concluded, Charlestown Netball Association is still busy for the remainder of the year.
The social twilight games will start on 10 October, running on Monday nights for eight weeks.
The matches are very social, with both women’s and mixed teams (and men’s, if there are enough takers), and providing an opportunity for new netballers to “dip a toe in” to see how they like the sport.
Beforehand, CNA is selecting up to three of its own sides to enter the inaugural Hunter Summer Series.
The competition will be a premier tournament to showcase and develop the best of the Hunter netball talent, similar to the Court Craft Series that is conducted in Sydney over summer.
The Hunter Summer Series will be hosted across different Hunter associations (including Charlestown), beginning 12 October, rotating venues across the region over eight weeks.
And, finally, the Charlestown Netball Association will host the Koori Netball Tournament, a competition that is into its 21st year of play at Charlestown.
It brings together more than 1500 Aboriginal netballers from across the state, for the players to share their love of netball in a fun, inclusive competition.
The Koori Netball Tournament is conducted over two days (29-30 October).
2022 Charlestown Netball Association results
- Senior A: CNC Caution d IND Estetiko
- Senior B: UNC Zulu d CNC Cylconic
- Senior C: DRNC Roxys d KNC Sunsets
- Cadet Red: KNC Kaos d UNC Phoenix
- Cadet Blue: UNC Fusion d CNC Coyotes
- Cadet White: UNC Divas d UNC Illusion
- Intermediate Red: CNC Cupids d UNC Espirit
- Intermediate Blue: UNC Galaxy d CNC Charlies Angels
- Intermediate White: UNC Magic d CNC Cotton Candy
- Junior Red: DRNC Angelfish d UNC Storm
- Junior Blue: UNC Opals d DRNC Stingrays
- Junior White: DRNC Fairy Penguins d DRNC Reefs
- Junior Black: CNC Canaries d UNC Skittles
