THREE OF the Hampden league's representative sides just missed the opportunity to fight for a state title at Sunday's Netball Victoria Association Championships in Frankston.
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The open grade, under 17s and under 15s all fell short of the final game with defeats in the semi (open) and preliminary finals (17s,15s) of the annual tournament, which pits the best netball leagues against each other.
Mel Starr's open side went through eight matches undefeated - six wins and two draws - to qualify for the semi-final.
The Bottle Greens secured wins against Waverley City (23-7), Goulburn Valley League (17-11), AFL Outer East (15-13), Mountain District (34-3), West Gippsland (16-13), Riddell District (17-7) and finished level with Murray and Ovens and Murray.
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In the semi-final Goulburn Valley edged Starr's team by two goals to progress to the decider..
Starr was proud of her side's efforts to have their only loss to the eventual winners and to play out the day with only nine players.
"They just came together really nicely backed each other up and committed to everything they did and played well all day," she said.
The Bombers mentor, who was unsure whether she would return as the league's coach next season, said the future was looking bright.
"Most of them (this year's squad) will come back bu obviously things change with girls at the age they are," she said.
"There is some amazing talent coming up from under 17 age group will be great to see them push into the open team."
Leah Sinnott's under 17s scored three wins, one draw and a loss to finish third in the second of two groups in their age bracket.
They went on to secure a win in the semi-final before suffering another loss in the prelim, which came against St Albans and Caroline Springs Netball Association.
The Stacey O'Sullivan-led under 15s also finished third in the second group of their bracket with three wins and two losses.
They also secured a win in the semi-final but missed the chance to play in the decider after a defeat to AFL Outer East in the prelim.
In the under 13s, Danielle McInerney's side fell short at the semi-final stage after finishing the pool games with two victories and three defeats.
McInerney's side were beaten by Lillydale and Yarra Valley Netball Association.
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
