Shalom’s boys and girls netball teams recently had the opportunity to showcase their skills on the court, competing in the prestigious Vicki Wilson Championship.
Run by Netball Queensland, the Vicki Wilson Championship is the premier netball competition for high schools across Queensland.
It was a tough game for both teams with the girls competing in the pool rounds before heading to the finals, while the boys gave it their best shot in the round robin.
Shalom’s Nikki Somerfield said the girls placed fourth in their pool after a win against Moreton Bay College and three losses, leaving them in 16th position for finals.
Nikki said for five of the players it was the final time they would represent Shalom College in netball, and it was extra special for three of the Year 12 girls, Kendal Dodd, Charlotte Boge and Anne-Maree Pohlman, as they had been part of the Shalom team since Year 8.
“The girls played three hard-fought games, narrowly losing in their second finals match against Fairholme College by one point,” Nikki said.
“And then backing up straight away for their last finals match against Ipswich Grammar school, with 80 minutes of fast paced netball which is a big ask at the end of the competition.
“Unfortunately, the girls lost all three of their finals matches and placed 16th out the top 20 teams competing in the Vicki Wilson Cup.
“This result did not reflect the determination of the entire team, many of whom were playing with injuries, as all of the girls left everything out on the court and didn’t give up once despite what the scoreboard said.”
Nikki said for the group of boys it was their first experience at Vicki Wilson Competition finals, but they were well prepared and very competitive in all of their games.
“Boys placed fourth overall out of the five teams that competed, with wins against Cavendish Road State High School and Bundaberg State High School, a draw with Marsden State High and two losses,” she said.
“For seven of these boys, who are in year twelve, it was their last opportunity to represent Shalom at netball which means that next year will be a big year for rebuilding the team and bringing some new and enthusiastic players into the team.”
