Led by coach Gabby Barlow, the girls played some really great passages of play and were settled and determined in each and every game.
Game one was against Merrigum.
“This set the tone for the day, and the girls were successful winning 24-11,” Barlow said.
“The impressive shooting duo of Abbie Blake and Stella White converted at every opportunity.
“The next game against Numurkah was a physical encounter. The defensive end of Hannah Hetherington and Elena Mulham worked tirelessly and were rewarded with many turn overs.
“Game three against a tall Echuca side was going to be tough, and although the girls tried their best at the final siren went down by three goals.
“Special mention to Mia Parkes who hit the deck but got up and continued the battle.”
The results at the end of the three games put the DNA side in second place on the ladder, and and into the semi finals against Numurkah.
“This was again a tough encounter and a low scoring tussle,” Barlow said.
“The mid court of Hayley Noonan and Ruby Cattanach worked overtime to move the ball down and into the shooters.
“Final score was Deni 9 to Numurkah 5.
“The grand final was the rematch between Deni and Echuca.
“The girls went into the match positive and knowing if they bring their best they can come out on top.
“The atmosphere was electric and the Deni girls fought until the end.
“They ended up winning the match 10 to six.”
Matilda Glowrey was awarded the player of the match by the umpires, but Barlow said it was “definitely a team effort”.
After a tough start to the day with the losses against Echuca yellow and Echuca blue, DNA’s under-13s representative side managed to change their mind set and bounce back with a vengeance.
They then won their next four games to finish third on the ladder for the day, and to win their first ever semi final.
“This was by far the best and most exciting game to date, to watch with the girls playing extra time on and only going down by two goals,” team manager Cath Newman said.
“Congratulations to Alice Circuitt being awarded player of the tournament, getting hands to every ball being able to stop the shooters in their tracks and not cracking under the immense pressure in the semi final.”
The under-11s were also standout performers at the tournament, with the nine girls excelling as a team and displaying lovely passages of play throughout the day.
Eloise Menadue, Nina Glowrey, and Grace MacDonald worked tirelessly in defence resulting in many intercepts.
Bella Muldoon, Phoebe Thomas, and Lexi Butcher showed versatility and lead consistently onto the ball beautifully.
Olivia Jeffrey, Georgia Danckert and Lily Petersen combined well, had front position and were able to convert turnovers into goals.
Tournament award went to Bella Muldoon for her positioning and great work rate throughout the day.
