The North West Championships began with a meaningful Smoking Ceremony, welcoming players, officials and supporters to Yawuru Country, performed by Aunty Di Appleby.
From the opening whistle, the weekend delivered plenty of intensity, with Netball WA associations joined by an invitational team from Darwin that brought a fantastic standard of competition and helped set the tone for a hard-fought carnival.
The quality of netball was clear across the divisions, with athletes showing skill, determination and composure under pressure. Two grand finals, in the 16U and Open Division 2 competitions, were pushed into overtime, highlighting just how evenly matched the top teams were.
Even the unusually cold weather could not dampen the energy on court, as teams continued to battle through tight contests and produce a memorable weekend of North West netball.
Off the court, the championships also celebrated the people who help make community netball possible. Congratulations to North West Volunteer of the Year Kylie Brockenshire, from Broome Netball Association.
The next generation of leaders was also recognised, with the Rising Star Coach award presented to Roslyn Butcher from Broome Netball Association. Rising Star Umpire honours went to Amber Rann from Broome Netball Association and the Spirit of Netball Award went to Nikita Treseder from Karratha Netball Association.
There was further recognition for the umpiring pathway, with a number of officials awarded new badges. Congratulations to B Badge umpires Amber Rann and Taylah Walker, and C Badge umpires Mandi Dai, Rachel Ropiha-Melville and Renee Cuthbertson.
Results
12U Division: Karratha 32 defeated Broome 9
14U Division: Broome 24 defeated Karratha 21
16U Division: Karratha 25 defeated Broome 23
Open Division 2: Broome Team 2 35 defeated Karratha 33
Open Division 1: Broome 62 defeated Karratha 49
