West Leagues Balance 1 are upping the ante as they strive to win their sixth consecutive Greater Bank Tri Series premiership.
Coming off a successful victory in the preliminary final, the side will tackle North Champs at Cooks Hill on Saturday 7 September in a bid to secure another crown.
But, they won’t have it all their own way.
Only a fortnight ago, Norths handed Wests a 52-29 loss in the qualifying showdown.
So, coach Tracey Baggs expects a difficult assignment this weekend.
“We know Norths will be tough across the whole court, however we’re excited for the challenge and ready to bring the intensity,” she said.
Recent regulation changes have given the team extra confidence after the addition of the rolling subs rule, allowing players to sub in at any time.
“It’s made a massive difference,” Baggs said.
“I believe in the depth of our squad.
“So, it gives us the chance to match what Norths have on the court at any point.”
The side’s championship division captain, Emma Prince, said she was proud of her charges, despite previous challenges.
“This season has been a little bit up and down,” she explained.
“But, we’re used to that and when we bring it at the end of the year, we all want it so much that we just give it our all and perform.
“We know we’ve got the talent and depth.
“So, it’s just about us playing for each other and bringing the intensity across the four quarters.”
Wests is the only organisation in the Greater Bank-sponsored tournament to boast a team in all three divisions – championship, opens and under-23s.
And, the club adopts a collaborative approach to training, with players across each level given the chance to build their skills alongside other grades.
“The experience of the older girls brings the youngsters a lot of improvement,” Prince said.
“However, it goes the other way, too.
“The young girls are always pushing the older ones.”
Wests’ under-23 skipper Caitlin Dale applauded her teammates for their hard work and group effort.
“It helps you work as a team,” she said.
“You’ve got everyone else to help improve your performance, it’s a real morale booster.”
The Newcastle Netball Association promises a great family day out, too.
In addition to the on-court action, there’ll be plenty lined up for younger spectators, including face-painting and food trucks.
It all starts with junior games from 8am, leading up to the highly-anticipated Tri Series, beginning at 11.45am.
The under-23 decider will feature West Leagues Balance 23s and South Pride, while West Leagues Balance 2 meets the Junction Cosmos in the open competition.
The main encounter starts at 3.15pm.
“Live” commentary will also enhance the experience for those watching from home, with the full event being live-streamed on YouTube.
2024 Greater Bank NNA Tri Series grand final schedule
3.15pm: Championship
North Champs v West Leagues Balance 1
1.30pm: Open competition
Junction Cosmo v West Leagues Balance 2
11.45am: Under-23s
West Leagues Balance 23s v South Pride
For more sport stories:
- Tri Series promises a fitting finale to Newcastle netball season
- Cycling silver as Novocastrian Parker smashes 44-year record
- Palazzo Prince ready to climb The Kosciuszko
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