The EDNA netball courts were packed with action on Saturday, a record 93 teams taking part in the association’s annual tournament. Photos: Matthew Kappos.
The annual Echuca District Netball Association tournament has gone off without a hitch.
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More than 1000 people packed the association’s courts and sidelines in High St, Echuca on Sunday as a record number of teams from around Victoria and NSW took part.
“It was a really good day,” president Beverly Monigatti said.
“We had 93 teams on the day, so in excess of 1500 to 2000 people were down here for the day.
“Weather was great, it all ran pretty smoothly.”
The fast-paced tournament saw teams taking part in games of seven-minute halves with a tight schedule controlled by the association representatives.
“It's very full-on, as in you have two minutes between each game and 30-second half-times,” Monigatti said.
“You need to know exactly where you need to be for your next round and the coaches really need to be on the ball as far as getting ahead to the next game.”
The extra participation saw the competition extended beyond its usual late afternoon finish as teams battled in finals past 5pm.
Sides battled across the inside and outside courts.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
Teams came from as far as Kew in Melbourne, and Barellan, north of Wagga Wagga, while plenty more local sides took part, including the Murray and Picola football netball leagues, Shepparton, Rochester and Kyabram.
“We're pretty central to everyone, and most associations have more teams now than ever,” Monigatti said.
“There seems to be more playing association netball than ever before, and we certainly put on a good day for them.”
EDNA itself had nine sides taking part, the association’s under-17 reserve side having the most success on the day, going down in the division final to Yarrawonga.
The Murray FNL also picked up some success with victory in the under-13 champion division, and a runner-up performance in the under-15 championship grade.
The PDL and Rochester also had runner-up performances.
Regional tournaments, like the EDNA edition, build towards the zones tournament in Bendigo scheduled for June 15, with the winners to qualify for the Association Championships in Melbourne on June 29.
EDNA will be sending two under-13 and under-15 sides and one under-17 squad to the Bendigo zones.
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