
Yesterday, the Essendon District Netball Association hosted its very first tournament at Riverside, and what an incredible day it turned out to be! The tournament was filled with exciting netball action, a fantastic sense of community spirit, and of course, Melbourne’s signature “four seasons in one day” weather. Despite the unpredictable conditions, the event was a roaring success, with players, clubs, and families coming together to celebrate the love of netball.
The weather certainly kept everyone on their toes. We experienced everything from sunny patches to rain showers, cool breezes, and even a bit of warmth. True to Melbourne form, the players and supporters adapted and kept the energy high throughout the day. Whether battling through a downpour or enjoying the sun’s brief appearances, the spirit of competition and camaraderie shone through.
A special mention goes to St Johns Netball Club and Essendon Netball Club, who joined forces to run an amazing BBQ. It was a lifesaver on a day when we all needed some comfort food to keep us going. The BBQ area became a hub of activity, offering a perfect spot for players and families to refuel and reconnect between games. Their hard work added an extra layer of community to the day, creating an atmosphere of warmth and support that made the tournament all the more special.
The competition itself was fierce, with plenty of new clubs to the area showcasing their skills and adding to the excitement. It was wonderful to see the diversity of teams participating, and the level of play was outstanding. Each match was hard-fought, but in the end, there could only be one winner per division:
- 17U Division: Deviles came out victorious over Sporty Storm, with a final score of 11–6.
- 15U Division: Marby Lions took the win over Flamez, securing a solid 13–6 victory.
- 13U Open Division: Sunbury triumphed over Whittlesea with an impressive 13–6 win.
- 13u Reserves Division: St Johns Raven narrowly defeated Darebin 11–9 in a thrilling match that kept everyone on edge.
The tournament wasn’t just about competition, though. It was about the sense of community that netball brings. From the players to the spectators, everyone played a part in making the day a memorable one. Seeing so many new and established clubs come together on the courts made it clear that netball’s future in this region is bright.
A huge thank you to everyone who played a part in making the day possible—players, coaches, volunteers, supporters, and, of course, Melbourne weather for keeping us on our toes! I can’t wait to see where EDNA takes us next. Here’s to many more tournaments.
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